OBITUARIES
Hubert James Gray
July 24, 1943 – May 3, 2024
BELLEVUE – Hubert James Gray, 80, laid down his working tools on May 3, 2024 in Bellevue.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 8 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. A service to celebrate Hubert’s life will be at 1 p.m. on May 9 at the Methodist Church in Bellevue. Interment will follow at Bellevue Cemetery.
Hubert was born on July 24, 1943 in Fort Worth to Earnest and Hazel Gray. Hubert grew up in Roanoke where he met his former wife Sandra Savage, and together they raised three daughters in Justin.
Hubert went on to meet and fall in love with Elizabeth Orton in Bellevue, who he wedded on March 11, 1994 in Bowie. Together the two built a joyful life full of grandchildren, adventure, travel and sweet humor.
Hubert worked as a carpenter for several decades and was an entrepreneur owning multiple businesses, having a positive impact on countless peoples life’s.
Hubert was a member of the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, later becoming a member of the Methodist Church of Bellevue. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge #668 in Roanoke, where he was initiated as an Enter Apprentice on March 28, 1972, passing to the degree as a Fellowcraft on May 2, 1972. He was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on June 15, 1972.
Hubert was a kind and gentle man who always put his family first. He was a jokester who’s contagious laughter and warm smile lit up every room he entered.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Hazel Gray; daughter, Sherri Fitzgerald; son, Robert Orton; grandsons, Michael Orton, Christopher Orton and James Huber and sons-in-law, Dennis McLaughlin and Chuck Sword.
Hubert’s legacy continues through his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth; daughters, Trinda Mulkey and husband Scott, Justin and Juli Seale and husband Rick, Blue Mound; sons, Billy Orton and wife Misty, Bellevue, Harry Orton and wife Sunie, Colorado Springs, CO and Eddie Orton and wife Evelin, Bellevue; daughter-in-law, Martha Tompkins, Van Buren, AK; brothers, Milborn Gray and wife Clay, Roanoke, Earl Gray and wife Linda, Justin and Dearl Gray and wife Joyce, Justin; 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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OBITUARIES
Sylvia Jackson Stone
November 26, 1940 – January 28, 2026
BOWIE – Sylvia Jackson Stone, 85, died on Jan. 28, 2026 after a short illness.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6 at the First Baptist Church of Bowie with Pastor Mike Henson officiating.
She was born in Corsicana on Nov. 26. 1940 to Mildred and L.R. (Willie) Jackson. She was the oldest of four Jackson siblings. She graduated from Doniphan High School in Doniphan, MO in 1957 and became a registered nurse upon her graduation from the Baylor School of Nursing in 1962. She worked as a nurse and homemaker for many years before retiring to Bowie.
She was a Christian woman who attended many Baptist churches throughout her life ending with First Baptist Church of Bowie. She was also a member of Bowie’s Knit Together Sisterhood.
She is preceded in death by her parents; three siblings; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her husband, Tony C. Stone; two sons; one daughter-in-law; six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to charities of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
OBITUARIES
Dr. Ronald Wayne Westbrook, D.C.
September 12, 1957 – January 25, 2026
BOWIE – Dr. Ronald Wayne Westbrook, D.C., 68, passed away on Jan. 25, 2026.
The family received friends on Feb. 2 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A funeral service was at 1 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie with Dr. Tony Rogers officiating. Burial followed with military honors at Terral Cemetery in Terral, OK.
Ron was born on Sept. 12, 1957 to Jerry Philip Westbrook and Louise Marie Tettelton. He grew up in Nocona and graduated from Nocona High School in 1976. While in school, Ron excelled in UIL, One Act Play, track and football. He started all four years on the varsity football team, playing on both sides of the ball, earning All-State honors. After graduation, Ron joined the United States Air Force.
In 1977, he married Sharon Duke from Terral, OK.
Ron was known by many names: devoted husband, father, grandfather (Nonnie), son, brother, doc, Dr. Ron and true friend. He had a passion for helping people. This passion is what led him to his career in chiropractic medicine. Dr. Westbrook graduated from Parker University in 1994 and taught chiropractic technique to all under classes at the college. He opened his business, Health Innovations, in 1994 in Decatur. His love and compassion for his patients made him stand alone as the best chiropractor in this area. They will miss him greatly.
Throughout his life, his work ethic was undeniable. Whether it was carpentry, working two to three jobs to support his family, putting himself through college, or just lending a helping hand to any friend or family that needed it, you could always count on Ron to be there, no matter what.
Along with his many other accomplishments, Ron was a published author. In 2012, he wrote the book, “Choices.”
Ron enjoyed dancing, trying new foods and restaurants, going to the movies, trying to be funny, sports, spending time with family and most of all being “Team Payton.” He will always be remembered for his love and devotion to his friends, family and patients. Our hearts are comforted knowing he is now in his eternal home wrapped in the arms of Jesus, his dad, mom, brothers and daughter, Megan.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers, James Westbrook, Alan Robinson and Mark Robinson; and daughter, “gorgeous genius,” Megan Westbrook Holt.
Ron is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Westbrook, Bowie; granddaughter, Payton Holt, Bowie; brother, Eddy Robinson, Bowie; sister, Rebecca Compton, Hurst along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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OBITUARIES
Billy Joe James
April 21, 1941 – January 28, 2026
BOWIE – Billy Joe James, 84, passed away on Jan. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
A visitation was on Feb. 4 at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home. A funeral service was on Feb. 5 and burial followed at Jones Cemetery in Kendalia, TX.
Billy was born on April 21, 1941 in Lockett. He was the youngest of nine children of Alfred L. and Ethel James. Billy spent portions of his life living in Denton, Shoreacres and Kendalia, TX. A U.S. Army veteran and Second Lieutenant in the National Guard, Billy served as mayor of Shoreacres and was active in civic activities where he lived. He excelled in multiple fields including business, ranching and civic service. He founded Bee Jay Molding, a successful injection-molding business in the Houston and Boerne communities.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings and a grandson.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane; three children; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Billy is remembered as a dedicated family man, leader, mentor and friend.
Memorial donations may be made to Kendalia Volunteer Fire Department, Comfort Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
Services entrusted to Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com.
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