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James Paul Marsalis, Sr., 72
Died: Friday, October 21, 2011, in Big Spring, Texas
James Paul "Skitter" Marsalis, Sr. was born on October 25, 1938 in Kentwood, Louisiana to proud parents, the late Zella Marshall and James Marsalis. He was raised by his beloved grandmother, Katie Woodward, who also preceded him in death.
He later became a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Raleigh, NC. After moving to Abilene, he became a faithful member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 N. 12th St.
He accepted Christ at his home church, Sweet Home Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana at an early age.
James Paul graduated from O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana in 1958, and continued his studies at Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, where he was a starting player on the football team.
In 1959 he joined the United States Air Force, serving 12 distinguished years overseas in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Later he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and completed 30 years of service to his country, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Class 3. He received numerous awards and accolades, including the Korean Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge.
James Paul's civil career included serving as Lieutenant of the Illinois State Police Department in Springfield, Illinois.
James Paul was called home on the morning of Friday, October 21, 2011 at a medical center in Big Spring, Texas at the age of 72. He is survived by one son, James Paul Marsalis, Jr. of Mount Vernon, IL; one brother, Charles Marsalis of Raleigh, NC; an uncle, John Marshall of Chicago, IL; two grandchildren, Christopher Marsalis of Philadelphia, PA and Dominique Marsalis of Dayton, Ohio; and two great-grandchildren.
Survivors also include a devoted Godmother, Josephine Marshall-Diggs of Liberty, Mississippi, and a special cousin and friend, Oradean Marshall Cardwell and Lynn Cardwell both of Mint Hill, NC; a lifetime Buddy brother, Charles "Chief" Moore of Mount Vernon, IL; a caretaker Buddy and friend, Rev. Iziar Lankford of Abilene, Texas; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.
Services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 North 12th St. in Abilene, with Bishop Bill Beckham officiating and remarks by Iziar Lankford, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of James Paul to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 N. 12th St., Abilene, TX 79603, or Plum Street United Methodist Church, 629 N. 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79601.
Sue Fite, 88
Died: Tuesday, September 20, 2011, in Abilene, Texas
Sue Fite passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in Abilene, Texas.
Memorial Services will be held Monday, September 26, at 11:00am at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Dr. Eduardo Rivera officiating, assisted by Rev. Ross Whiteaker. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm Sunday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. There will be a private graveside service.
Born on November 7, 1922 in Plainview, Texas and raised in Floydada, Texas, Sue was the daughter of Lola (Porterfield) and Earl Edwards.
Sue received her Bachelor of Nutritional Science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She worked as a dietician at SMU in Dallas, TX upon graduation. On April 26, 1947, she married Frank Fite at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) chapel. Shortly thereafter in 1947, Sue and Frank moved to Abilene where he became the manager of Busch Jewelers. They were truly a "team", and she was Frank's daily advisor in business and the love of his life.
She was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Ragland/Hughes Circle, served on several committees for United Methodist Women and was on the Homebound Committee. She really enjoyed being a Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Frank Fite in January 2004; her sister-in-law, Fredda Townes of Lubbock and her parents.
Sue is survived by her son, Don Fite and wife Pat of Abilene; daughter, Jana Kappel and husband Mark of Abilene; four grandchildren, Croft Fite, Aubrey Fite, Christian Kappel and Colin Kappel. She is survived by her sister Jeanne McKnight and husband Maxey of Abilene; her brother Earl Edwards, Jr. and his wife Claire; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to thank Wesley Court nursing staff for their love and daily devotion to Sue and love and support of Sears Hospice.
Sue was blessed by much love in her life and received it sweetly and quietly.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 1726 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas 79602; St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street, Abilene, TX 79601 or charity of donor's choice.
Charles David "C.D." Grissom, 74
Died: Monday, September 19, 2011, in Abilene, Texas
Charles David Grissom, 74, died Monday, September 19, 2011 in Abilene, Texas.
Private family graveside rites will be held under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.
Survivors include two sons, one daughter, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, one sister, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and two nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Meals on Wheels, Plus, PO Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604.
Ted Newberry, 84
Died: Friday, September 9, 2011, in Austin, Texas
Ted Newberry, 84, of Austin, TX, was called by the Lord on September 9, 2011, to join his beloved wife, Joan.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, September 14, at the First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange Street in Abilene, with Dr. Clifford Stewart officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will greet friends immediately after the service at the church.
Ted was born October 18, 1926 in Taylor County, Texas near Abilene. He attended Wylie and Abilene schools. After graduating from Abilene High School, he attended Texas Tech University.
After enlisting in the U.S. Navy, he served in the Philippine Islands during World War II. He remained active in Navy Reserve Unit NMCB 22, the Seabees, until 1986. After returning to Abilene, he married Joan Elizabeth Hughes on July 14, 1951. They were married 52 years, separated by her death in 2003.
As a partner with his brother, Hollis, in Newberry Auto Service for many years, Ted was a master mechanic and diagnostician renowned for his skill in the restoration of classic vehicles. One of his last projects was a 1979 Chevy truck with his grandson Billy. The truck was featured in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal when Billy was a student at Texas Tech. Also an avid gardener, the roses and iris he shared grace many homes all over Texas. His fabulous family dinners were great occasions featuring his home-grown vegetables.
A member of First Central Presbyterian Church for 60 years, he served as deacon, taught Sunday school, worked in the Food Pantry, and was a member of the Friendly Class.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ethel Holly Newberry, his wife Joan "Jodie", brothers Morris "Pete" Newberry, W.C. "Dub" Newberry, and sister, Tomilee Newberry. Surviving family includes daughters Melissa Andrews and husband Griff, Maryana Harrell and husband Don, sister-in-law Linda Hughes Schreiber and husband Mark, all of Austin, and Patricia Bogar of Abilene; brothers C. H. "Hollis" Newberry of Abilene, James D. Newberry and sister Martha A. Lorenz of Keller, and sister Mary O. Poplawski and husband Steve of Scottsdale, Arizona, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Papa Ted will be greatly missed by Billy Andrews and Luke Andrews of Austin, Leigh Harrell of Dallas, Brad Schreiber and Erin Schreiber Whitehead and husband Aaron of Austin. Elizabeth Anne Whitehead, born on September 7, 2011, will hear many stories about Papa Ted and Granny Jo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials made to First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene or Helping Hand Home for Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, TX, 78751.
Raymond L. Jones, 87
Died: Thursday, August 25, 2011, in Dallas, Texas
Raymond L. Jones, 87, of Abilene died Thursday, August 25, 2011, in Dallas, Texas.
Born in Tuscola, Texas on May 12, 1924, Raymond was the son of Ruth M. (Jones) and R.F. Jones. He was a 1943 graduate of Lubbock High School and attended Texas Tech University. He married Jane Wyatt in Sweetwater, Texas in 1949. Raymond worked with his wife, who was bookkeeper, in their businesses, Texas Auto Parts and National Transmission. He had a passion for restoring classic cars.
Raymond was a former Abilene City Councilman and attended View Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Jones, on March 22, 2011, and his parents.
Raymond is survived by one son, Ben Jones of Dallas, and two sisters, Roberta and Mary Alice.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27 at View Baptist Church in View, Texas with Rev. Dave Douglas officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
