OBITUARIES
Raymond Melton Mills
February 27, 1963 – May 30, 2023
BOWIE – Raymond Melton Mills, 60, passed away suddenly on May 30, 2023.
A celebration of life will be hosted by his children from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 11 in the Chapman Building at 116 W. Wise Street in Bowie. It will be a come-and-go memorial event. His children look forward to gathering with friends and family to remember their dad.
Raymond was born Feb. 27, 1963 in Wilbarger, TX to Oza Ray Mills and Mary Elizabeth Denney. He grew up in Archer City with his five siblings. In his senior year of high school (1982), his classmates voted him to be “Mr. School Spirit” and “Friendliest.” He also was a talented football player for the Archer City High School Wildcats. As a young man Raymond was the lead singer in a Christian rock band called “Seventy Times Seven,” named for Matthew 18:22. Music became a permanent passion in his life and he frequently sang to his friends and family.
From 1990-2020 he was married to Julie Bonham Mills and was blessed with one stepdaughter and five children. Raymond will be fondly remembered by his children as a fun, loving, charismatic and spontaneous father who loved family time. They especially remember watching movies on Friday nights.
He was a hard worker in whatever endeavor he undertook, and his entrepreneurial spirit resulted in many blessings for his family. In 1992 until his passing, Raymond was the president and owner of Mills Bit Service Inc., which was a longtime, successful business related to oil exploration. He was fondly known as “Red” to his customers and even developed his own drill bit line: Life Force PDC.
His children and grandchildren brought him endless joy and happiness. Raymond loved them fiercely and was a proud “Papa.” His favorite thing was taking selfies with them, which are photos they are grateful to have. In his most recent years, he enjoyed traveling the world for business and pleasure. He journeyed to Israel, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Mexico.
Raymond loved God and was devoted to his Messianic faith. His favorite book of the scriptures was Psalms. His generous spirit resulted in many acts of kindness and he often shared his faith with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Joel Ray Mills. This time of mourning has been extremely difficult for his family members, but they know he is rejoicing in the presence of his Heavenly Father and is comforted by being reunited with his son, Joel.
Raymond is survived by his children, Marlaina McKnight and husband Trey, Cassie Smith, Joshua Mills, Mary Beth Miller and husband Michael and Rebekah Mills; seven grandchildren, Bryson, Brylee, Branson, Laramie Sue, Clara, Adele and Olivia; siblings, David Mills, Tom Mills, Eddie Mills, Debbie Poore and husband Ray and Brenda Sentell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paid publication
May 27, 1948 – July 14, 2024
MONTAGUE – John Riley Russell, 76, died July 14, 2024 following several battles with cancer.
At John’s request, there will be no formal service. There will be a casual family visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 20 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. John desired to be cremated, his ashes joined with Gerry’s in time and to be spread over his home place in Montague.
John was born in West Columbia, TX to Carl and Pauline Teague Russell on May 27, 1948. He was welcomed to the family by his big sister, Lynda.
The family moved to Bowie so that Carl could start Russell’s Department Store in 1951. John graduated from Bowie High School in 1966; he excelled in basketball under Coach Gayno Shelton’s guidance. John continued his education at Midwestern University where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
After marrying Gerry Galloway in 1968, John worked for General Dynamics, which later became Lockheed Martin. At that company he became a world traveler. He loved traveling, but his favorite place was at home with his wife and his beautiful daughter, Brandy Michelle, who was born in 1970.
After retiring in 2004, John and Gerry moved to Montague to live out their lives. They were blessed with two fantastic grandsons, Jax Riley Williams and Kaz Russell Williams. John took great pride in that both boys were named after him.
John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gerry Russell; his daughter, Brandy and her wonderful husband, Paul Williams and two grandsons, Jax and Kaz Williams. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Lynda Neeld and her daughters, Holly Bullock and Shawna Tomlin.
Expressions of sympathy to John’s family are appreciated, but please do not bother with flowers or memorials; instead, do something nice for a family member, friend or stranger; pet a pooch and think of John. Also, he would stress to all young people to stay away from tobacco products.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
May 27, 1941 – May 27, 1941
NOCONA – Raymond “Salty” Hudson Sr., 83, died on July 10, 2024.
A visitation was from 7 to 8 p.m. on July 12 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on July 13 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Donald Cheshier officiating. Interment will follow at Eagle Point Cemetery.
He was born on May 27, 1941 in Sentinel, OK to Henry and Eula McLaughlin Hudson. They later moved to Lubbock where he grew up. He married Doris May Partridge on Aug. 16, 1960 in Montague and together they had three children.
He worked for Justin Leathergoods for 23 years then Nocona Belt Company for more than 25 years until he retired with Bell Supply. He coached little league baseball where he started the teams for Justin Leathergoods. He also was involved in the Nocona Indians Booster Club for a number of years. Hudson also worked for R.B. Stout Furniture store where he did odd jobs, delivered and did repairs on appliances. He was a lifetime member of Shady Grove Community Church for more than 60 years where he served as treasurer and deacon.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Doris; sons, Ray and Kenny; daughter, Carmella; two grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild and eight step-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers make donations to Eagle Point Cemetery Association or Shady Grove Church, c/o Doris Hudson, 108 Jackson, Nocona, TX 76255.
Arrangements entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home Nocona.
July 25,1958 – July 7, 2024
MONTAGUE – James “Jim” Edward Price Jr., 65, died on July 7, 2024 at home.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on July 17 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie, with Pastor Gregg Shaw officiating.
He was born on July 25,1958 in Bridgeport where he lived most of his life. He worked at Gifford Hill and Hanson as a heavy diesel mechanic which he retired from after 45 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Barbara Price; sister, Rheeanna Gage and two grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Liz Price, Montague; son, Cody Price; daughter, Courtney Waldrip, Bowie; sister, Susie Rankin, Fort Worth; six grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Legend Bank for the Colby Price Scholarship and RheeAnna Gage Scholarship to help the upcoming senior class.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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