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(Obituaries posted contain information posted by funeral homes and/or requested by families. Families may request changes or additions, if appropriate or required.)

Kathryn Elizabeth Smith Laws

Kathryn Elizabeth Smith Laws, age 67, of Palestine went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 6, 2025. She was born in San Antonio on Aug. 11, 1957, to Dean F. Smith and Joan Kane Smith.

Services for Kathy will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Frankston Methodist Church, officiated by Bro. Wayne Flowers. Burial will follow at Brushy Creek Cemetery under the direction of Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home. Family members will serve as pallbearers. A reception will follow at Brushy Creek Methodist Church.

A visitation will be held at Herrington Funeral Home in Palestine, on Friday, June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Kathy was a devoted member of the Brushy Creek Methodist Church where she was a music leader. She was also a member of the Anderson County Choir.

She graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1978, then went to work part-time at Target, catching shoplifters. Kathy advanced in her career at Target becoming a Group Assets Protection Team Leader for 20 years. She then went to work for Banana Republic, in charge of all the midwest U.S. and all of Canada for 10 years as a Senior Regional Loss Prevention Manager.

Kathy retired in 2013, and she and Joe moved full-time to their beloved Wildwood Farm.

Kathy was an avid gardener who enjoyed spending time outdoors. She loved spending time with her husband working on their home, watching the wildlife and raising some of her own.

Kathy enjoyed spending time with her family and going on family vacations. She held many positions beyond wife and mother: problem-solver, chicken Wrangler, gardener, dog trainer, church music and finance director, and chief day dreamer.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Joan Smith; stepfather, Bill Borden; and her in-laws, Clyde and Lillian Laws.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Joe Laws; daughter, Lindsay Wendling and husband Cory of Nevada, TX; son, Evan Laws and wife Kaycie of Tulsa, OK; brothers, Paul Daniel Smith of Elmendorf, TX, and David Smith and wife Beverly of Brushy Creek; grandson, Luke Laws; nephews, Chris Smith and wife Katelyn of Cedar Park, TX, Grant Johnson of Plymouth, WI, and Tate Johnson and wife Allison of Liberty Township, OH; niece, Kiley Critz and husband Jordan of Bellbrook, OH; sister-in law, Bonnie Oulla and husband Price of Charleston, SC; as well as eight great nieces, a great nephew, and numerous other family and loved ones.

The family requests donations in Kathy’s name to the little white church she loved, Brushy Creek Church, in care of: Joe Laws at 19691 FM 315, Palestine, TX 75803.

Jimmy Ray Nichols

A graveside service for Jimmy Ray Nichols, age 77, of Frankston, is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Rosemound Cemetery, in Commerce, Texas with Bro. T.L. Taylor officiating.  Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

Visitation will begin Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and family will receive friends from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston, followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4 p.m. with Monsignor Zach Kunnakkattuthara.

He was born on Sunday, March 7, 1948, to parents, Oscar Ceemore Nichols and Ruby Louise Montgomery Nichols, and went to be with the Lord on June 21, 2025, in Tyler.

Jimmy Ray was a dedicated follower of Christ, and this fact has presented itself all throughout his daily life. To all who knew him he was kind, gentle-hearted, soft-spoken, and above all treated everyone he met, as though he wanted to be treated.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and unforgettable storyteller. His family recounts his endless trips, whether local, or afar, dedicated to instilling life-lessons to his children and grandchildren. They will be forever grateful for his enduring love, patience, and fond memories.

Jimmy Ray Nichols was preceded in death by his parents Oscar Ceemore and Ruby Louise Nichols; daughter Jana Ellis; granddaughter Sarah Runzell; and 18 brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 24 years Sandy Nichols; children Jeff Nichols, Brian Nichols and wife Joy, Wilsey Garn and wife Rhonda, Lillie Perry and husband Stephen, Missy Nash and husband John, Jerry Hanna Jr., Joe Auck, and April Thixton and husband Joey; siblings, Isabelle Guthrie, William Nichols, Brad Nichols and Ginger Bisbing. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and a host of other loving, extended family.

Serving as pallbearers are Josh Nichols, Tony Nichols, Stephen (Bubba Perry Jr.), Don Guthrie, Jonathan Bramblett, and Gavin Ellis.

Davy Carter

Davy Carter, a longtime resident of Frankston, passed peacefully into the Lord’s embrace on Friday, June 20, 2025.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at West Erwin Church of Christ in Tyler. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Frankston. He will be laid to rest at Frankston City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 26, 2025, and family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Frankston.

Davy was born on Oct. 8, 1957, to the late Robert and Glenda Carter.

He devoted his life to walking in the footsteps of Jesus. His faith was not only something he believed; it was the foundation of who he was. Davy made it his mission to live like Christ in all he did. Davy served as a youth minister for 22 years, shaping countless young lives and becoming a father figure to many. Most recently, he continued his ministry as the benevolence minister at West Erwin Church of Christ.

Davy was a devoted family man and adored his wife, Sonja. He took great joy in raising their three children, not just through words, but through the example of a servant’s heart. His children learned to live out their faith by his side, often accompanying him as he cared for others. His love grew even deeper with the blessing of grandchildren, whom he cherished with all his heart.

Those who knew Davy will remember how he truly saw people. He had a remarkable gift for connecting, comforting, and encouraging everyone he met. A friend to all, Davy was constantly seeking ways to uplift others and meet their needs, no matter how small.

Davy was preceded in death by his parents; brother Lee Carter; sisters Sue Ellis and Kathy Higdon and a grandson Rhett Carter.

Left to cherish Davy’s memory are his wife of 42 years, Sonja Carter of Frankston; children Brice Carter and wife Kelsey of Jenks, OK, Brittany Smith and husband Jake of Cabot, AR and Barrett Carter and wife Jessica of Searcy, AR; and sister Connie Hallsted and husband David of Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by his grandchildren Savanna Smith, Griffin Carter, Vivian Carter, Canaan Smith, Reid Carter and Brooks Carter.

Pallbearers will be Robert Hallsted, Thomas Hallsted, Parry Stroner, Justin Hester, Robie Ebert and Harold Davis.

Rather than customary condolences, the family requests donations be made to Burnt Cabin Christian Camp at 34902 S 496 Rd, Park Hill, OK 74451, or the West Erwin Church of Christ Benevolent Center at 420 W Erwin St, Tyler, TX 75702.