Obituaries

Raymond Edward Garner, 52, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, November 14, 2016, in Center. Visitation was held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Chris Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Mr. Garner was born April 7, 1964, in Key West, Florida, to James Burton Garner and Bonlean West Garner. He was a member of Toledo Bend Baptist Church. He is survived by Sister: Karen Clifton and husband, Roger, of Joaquin; Brothers: Thomas Garner and wife, Donna, of Vidalia, Georgia; Sam Garner and wife, Tammy, of Joaquin; Tim Garner and friend, Suzanna Thompson, of Center. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; Aunt: Beaula Webster of Center; Uncle: Bob Holcombe of Arizona.

Virgil Lavirdie Tims, age 79, of Carmel, LA, went to be with the Lord surrounded by his family on October 21, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. Virgil was born on September 11, 1937 in Coushatta, LA to Father James Robert Tims and Mother Ruby Potts. Virgil was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers, Paul Tims and BW Fulghum. Virgil is survived by his wife of 60 years Anginita Tims. 3 Sons, Bobby Tims and wife Becky of Stonewall, LA., Dewayne Tims and Bretta Joncas of Bossier City, LA, Scotty Tims and wife Brandi of Morringsport, LA.. And only daughter, Ramona Ewing and husband Donnie of Carmel, LA. Sister Laura Jane Ainsworth of Pearl, MS and brother JD Hickman. Virgil has 9 grand blessings and 6 great grand blessings, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Virgil was a Veteran of the USAF Special Services, he worked many years in Feed Mill Operations as a laborer then supervisor of Purina, SFA, Charles’s Feed and Seed, and Keithville Co-op.

Funeral services for the Rev. Vernon Louis Stephenson, 73, of Many, were held on October 15 at First Baptist Church of Zwolle with the Reverends Jerry Penfield and William Smith officiating. Burial followed in the Aimwell Cemetery. The Rev. Stephenson was born on Friday, January 22, 1943 in Baskin. He passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at L.S.U. Medical Center in Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Stephenson and Ottice Marie Stephenson; son, Christopher Stephenson and daughter, Wendy Stephenson. Bro. Vernon spent his life serving God. He was the chaplain for Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. He pastored numerous churches and he administrated both home and foreign missions. Bro. Vernon also ran his own Evangelistic Association. He was the staff evangelist of Zwolle First Baptist Church, and was a long time religious columnist for The Mansfield Enterprise and The Sabine Index. He counseled those in need and served his God and his community.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Buzzie Hay, 83, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport. Bro. Buddy Puryear of Kingston Road Baptist Church will be officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at Rose-Neath. Buzzie was born in Shreveport, LA on September 4, 1933 to Ralph B. Hay and Abbey Gail Roberts Hay Cone, and passed away from a lengthy illness on October 22, 2016. Buzzie was a loving and wonderful husband of 61 years, to Toby Sims Hay, and a loving father to his 3 daughters. Buzzie was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and a sister.