Obituaries

David “Pop” McGilvray, 61 years old, passed away June 7, 2016 at Rapides Regional. He suffered from Aplastic Anemia since 2002. He is remembered as a true fighter, hero, and unquestionable father and grandfather. David is joined in passing by his father Fred Sterling McGilvray Sr. of Texas, and Daughter Danita McGilvray Black of Texas. He is cherished in memory by his wife Sandy of Verda, LA, daughter Kim Nation and husband John of Verda, LA, son Emeterio Daniel Flores of Ruston, LA, mother and stepfather Neva and Les Darling of Springtown, TX, brothers Fred McGilvray and Jeff McGilvray and sister Angela McGilvray Everitt of Texas, 9 grandchildren: Benika, David, Jonathan Friis, Dyllon Spencer, Myndi, Robbie, Ashley, Michailah, and John-Michael Nation, and three great grandchildren. He taught us to never stop fighting until our last breath. We love you Pop. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 10 a.m.

Judge Eroy ‘Roy’ Jones entered his eternal rest on Friday June 10, 2016 at the age of 86. He was born on March 18, 1930 to William Samuel “Judge” Jones and Martha Hancock Jones. Judge, J.E., Roy, Dad, Pa Paw And Pa Paw Great were a few of his many names used by his beloved blended family, extended family and friends. He was a devoted, dedicated and faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he served as R.A. Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Church Treasurer and in whatever capacity where there was a need, he served two years in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was recognized as FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer at junior and senior high schools for meritorious support for Vocational Agriculture. A member of the Grand Lodge Of The State Of Louisiana, he served as Grand Master and recieved a 50 Year Membership Certificate IN 2005. He has served as Justice Of Peace for Ward 12, Winn Parish from 1991 to date recieving a 20 Year Service Award IN 2011.

Mr. Jimmy Felton Holleman, age 85 of Dayton, Texas, formerly of Winnfield, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Born Thursday, February 26, 1931 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was a US Airforce veteran of the Korean conflict, a member of New Life Church of Kenefick, TX and was an aviation mechanic and later, a supervisor for the city of Pasedena, TX. Mr. Holleman was preceded in death by his Parents, Clarence Redell and Iner Haddox Holleman; Sister, Zora Lee Millspaugh; Brother, Redell “Sonny Boy” Holleman. Those left to cherish his memory include his Wife of 56 years, Betty Latham Holleman, Son, Larry Felton Holleman and wife Karen, Grandsons, Keiland and Quentin Holleman all of Dayton, TX; Sister, Jean Gaar of Natchitoches as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Bolton-Teagle Cemetery with Rev. Robert Franks officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Mrs. Virginia Clare (Buchanan) Gaar, age 64 of Dodson, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2016. Born Friday, April 4, 1952 in Crowley, Louisiana, she was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and was a retired school teacher and librarian with over 12 years of service. She was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, the Wesley Foundation and New Hope United Methodist Church. Mrs. Gaar was preceded in death by her Parents, Marion Murphy “Buck” and Vera Mae (Cowen) Buchanan; Husband, Don Gaar; Sister, Margaret Baker. Those left to cherish her memory include her Daughters, Heather Marie (Gaar) Smith and husband Gary of Giddings, TX and Leah Kay (Gaar) Bottoms of West Monroe, LA; Grandchildren, Wade Smith, Coby Smith, Victoria Smith, Brittany Bottoms and Tyler Bottoms; Sister, Alice Ann (Buchanan) Schwendimann. Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Strawbridge officiating.

Mrs. Taffy Elaine Flournoy Creel, age 67 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2016. Born Thursday, February 10, 1949 in Ralls, Texas, she was a graduate of Northwestern State University and was retired from the Winn Parish School Board with over thirty years of service as a high school English and French teacher. She was member of First Baptist Church, the Red Hat Society and the Dugdemona Darlins. Mrs. Creel was preceded in death by her Father, William Clarence “Bill” Flournoy and Granddaughter, Autumn Michelle VanBlaricum.

Lee-Ann Aymond was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana on October 5, 1966 and went to be to with her Lord on June 9, 2016. Lee-Ann was the daughter of Jimmy Aymond and Bonnie Moore. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Helen Marie Aymond Brocato and Tom Brocato, Mamie and H.B. Gorum and uncle, Benny Gorum. Survivors include her parents, Jimmy Aymond and Bonnie and Dale Moore; son, Jesse James “J.J.” Moore; siblings, Zak Aymond, Jessi Rials and Jamie McLaren; husband, Timothy Bartlett, along with nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Vincent Brocato officiating. Interment followed in Kimbrell Family Cemetery in Wheeling.

Richard Rudolph Ashcroft Jr., 72, died Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the Ridgecrest Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Forney, TX. He is survived by his sons, Richard “Trey” Ashcroft and wife Tanya, Jason Ashcroft, his brother, Don Ashcroft, his sister in-law Sue Ashcroft, his cousin, Sue Burford; his first wife, Patricia Ashcroft, six grandchildren, Jessica, Devin, Justin Ashcroft, and Michael, Alana and Joseph Carew; close family friend, Mark Thomas, and many more. Born in Alexandria, LA, the son of Richard and Doris (Barrios) Ashcroft, Richard lived in Shreveport and Winnfield most of his young life. In his early years, Mr. Ashcroft worked for the family’s business, Ashcroft Lumber Company. After graduating from Byrd High School in 1961, he attended Northwestern State University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

Mr. John Earl Briscoe, age 57 of Taylor, Arkansas, formerly of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at Springhill Medical Center in Springhill, Louisiana. There are not enough words to describe the man that John was. He was the best husband, father, papaw, brother, son, and friend. It brought him no greater pleasure in life than to work hard and provide for his family. In this he expressed his deep love for us all. We never doubted his love for a moment. Laziness was not a part of his vocabulary. Everything that his hands found to do, he did with all of his strength and unto the Lord. He continually poured his life into the lives of each person he knew. A more faithful friend could no man find. His integrity, loyalty, and passion for God sustained him and will continue to be his legacy. He served in many capacities, including youth pastor, royal ranger commander, and deacon at First Assembly of God of Winnfield for many years.