Obituaries

Joseph D. Ezernack, born on August 29, 1931, in Ebarb, Louisiana, to Tom and Claudia Etheridge Ezernack, passed away at the age of 93 on November 20, 2024, in Hemphill. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served during the Korean War. Joseph dedicated many years of his career as a Supervisor at Temple-Inland, retiring in 1992. A native of Ebarb and a resident of Sabine County for 72 years, Joseph was known for his love of the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting. He was also a skilled craftsman, working as a professional gunsmith, and enjoyed making knives, working with leather and tinkering. Joseph married Dolly on December 23, 1953, and together they shared nearly 71 years of marriage.

Gary Parnell McCoy, age 61, of San Augustine, departed this physical life on Nov. 15, 2024, at Sumit Nursing and Rehab Center in San Augustine. Mr. Gary Parnell McCoy was born Aug. 15, 1963. Gary is survived by wife, Esther Jenkins of San Augsutine; five sons , Kevin Maxie (Aaliyah) of Many, LA, Christopher Porter of San Augustine, Darius Murry (Quenekia) of San Augustine, Gary P. McCoy, Jr. of Nacogdoches, and Justin Jenkins (Tamyra) of San Augustine; three daughters, Chassidy Maxie of San Augustine, Evette Garrett (Terance) of San Augustine, and Renee Teal of Houston; twenty four grandchildren; four great-Grandchildren; two sisters, Theresa Watson of Nacogdoches, and DeKeriae McCoy of Houston. As well as a host of other relatives and friends.

William (“Bill”) Herman Fuller passed away on November 17, 2024. Bill was born on July 23, 1954, in Wiesbaden, Germany. As a child of a military family, he lived many places, but always considered Rosevine his home.

Ida 'Ann' Atherine Tatom, of Pineland, passed away at the age of 81 on November 14, 2024, in Tyler. Born on November 4, 1943, in Lufkin, to Lawrence Elmer Warner and Ida Atherine 'Jean' Crager Warner, Ann was a native of Diboll, and a long-standing resident of Sabine County for more than 50 years. Ann dedicated many years of her life as a paraprofessional at Jasper ISD, where she touched the lives of numerous students and colleagues. A member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, her faith and commitment to her community were unwavering.

Timothy Marlin Cunningham, known affectionately as Tim, passed away on November 14, 2024, in Hemphill, at the age of 60. Born on May 18, 1964, in San Augustine, to James Marlin Cunningham and Lora Berniece Robinson Cunningham, Tim grew into a man deeply rooted in his community and the simple joys of life.

Robert Allen 'Bob' Cole, aged 81, passed away on November 9, 2024, in Hemphill. Born on March 9, 1943, in Port Arthur, Bob lived a life marked by dedication to his community, love for his family, and a spirited sense of humor.

Ophelia Zeigler Eddings, aged 88, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, in Hemphill. She was born on March 23, 1936, in SanAugustine County, to Cecil 'Doc' Zeigler and Ester Mae Harvey Zeigler. Ophelia was a lifelong resident of Sabine County and attended school in Bronson, before graduating from Hemphill High School. She began her career working at Parker's Drug Store at the Soda Fountain and later served as a paraprofessional for Hemphill ISD until her retirement. Beyond her professional life, she was a dedicated wife and mother, having married Arvie Gene Eddings, with whom she shared 66 loving years.

Vernon Hutsell Smith, 89, passed away November 6, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. in Hemphill. He was born in Fairdale on November 15, 1934, to E.M. Smith and Annie Bell Byrd Smith. Vernon married Nellie Faye Cole on October 25, 1959. They went on to have three children, Kenneth, Tammy and Clifford. In 1978, he retired from Ford Motor Company where he had worked for 27 years. He spent the following years working for the county, raising cows and spending as much time as possible on his Kubota.

Stuart Davis Bagala, 43, of Geneva, passed away on November 3, 2024, at his residence. Born on September 9, 1981, in Houma, Louisiana to Michael Joseph Bagala and Ella Ann Verret Bagala, Stuart spent his early years in Jeanerette, Louisiana, before becoming a long-time resident of Sabine County.