Pearl Bluegrass : In Memory of Friends Passed

In Memory of Friends Passed Galleries

John Brock - (1938-2013) :

John Brock
(1938–2013)

William John Thomas Brock, 74, of Early, Texas passed from this earthly existence on January 10, 2013.  John was born on November 6, 1938 to William “Bill” and Eva Gentry Brock in an oil-field camp near Stamford, Texas.  He was reared in the Trickham community by his uncle and aunt, Gordon and Alma Stearns.  John joined the Trickham Union congregation as a youngster and was baptized in Mukewater Creek.  It was here, at the age of six, that he began guitar lessons at church, leading to his lifelong passion for music.  John attended schools at Brookesmith and Brownwood, graduating in 1957.

John began working for the Santa Fe Railroad where he remained employed for 42 years.  John was a natural storyteller, a collector of many things, and loved playing the guitar and hunting.  In his retirement, he became an avid collector of firearms and musical instruments.  As an active performer in the Texas Country and Bluegrass music scenes, John spent much of his time traveling to Bluegrass Festivals with his long-time companion, Helen. His dedication, love, and respect for the guitar, bluegrass music, and his fellow musicians undeniably lasted him a lifetime.  He played at Pearl as recently as December.

John was a guitar player and singer with the "West Texas Hazbins" band from Brownwood and he really enjoyed playing on stage with them every month at Pearl as some of the photos below, show. Even after John was under hospice care at the nursing home he and Helen still came to Pearl so he could jam with his friends and play with "his band". John was friendly to all, an inspiration to all who are fighting illness, and he will be missed by all at Pearl.

John is preceded in death by his parents, his uncle and aunt, and his cousin,“Sis” Ina Vee Rogers Starkey, also reared in the Stearns household.  He is survived by his dear friend and long-time companion,Helen Alexander of Early, Texas; brother, Gordon Byrd of El Dorado, Arkansas; a sister of Amarillo, Texas; a scattering of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a lifetime accumulation of hunting and music enthusiasts.  He also leaves behind Helen’s 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren who not only considered him family, but many as their grandfather or great-grandfather.  It was here he was lovingly referred to as “Big John”.

Upcoming Funeral Services
=====================
Visitation: Friday, 1/18/2013: 6-8pm
=======
Henderson Funeral Home
107 South First Street
Santa Anna TX
Phone: (325) 348-3131

Funeral: Graveside service - Saturday, 1/19/2013: 11am
======
Trickham Cemetery
Coleman County
Map and Directions

Memorials may be directed to Trickham Union Church, Trickham Cemetery Association, or the Pearl Bluegrass Association: c/o Ronald Medart, 820 CR 153, Purmela, TX 76566.

John Brock - (1938-2013)

Wanda Huckabee - (1925-2012) :

Wanda Huckabee
(1925–2012)
Wanda Huckabee passed away in her sleep at her home in Copperas Cove on Saturday, December 1st (Pearl day). She had her usual "Thursday jam" at her house just a few days before and is said to have played and sang to the very last note of the evening.

Wanda was an exceptionally good swing guitar player and singer who often came to Pearl. She was 86 years old but she was still singing and playing her heart out at the recent December Pearl. Included, below, are some photos of Wanta taken of her at that jam.

Wanda could play all the guitar bar chords and keep up with all the best swing players who came to Pearl. She often played with Wild Bill Lyle in the Pearl swing room back before Bill moved away. I remember when I first saw Wanda I was so impressed with the way she could play that guitar. She could sing wonderful harmony, too.

Wanda Virginia Huckabee was born in Coryell County in 1925, to Ralph and Emma Hamilton. She grew up and was raised on Tough Street in Flat, TX. Wanda married Edward Eugene Huckabee on May 29, 1948. They moved to Copperas Cove, TX in 1952. In 1960, they adopted their son, Scott Huckabee. After a career as a medical assistant working for Fred Barbee M.D., Wanda retired in 1986 and spent most of that time making music with her friends. She was a passionate musician and was inducted into the Coryell County Country Music Hall of Fame.

Wanda's parents, her brothers Jake Hamilton, Herman Hamilton, and sisters Lucille Faucett, and Mozell Roden preceded Ms. Huckabee in death. Wanda is survived by her son, Scott Huckabee and wife June of Kempner, TX. She had three grandsons: David Huckabee, BJ Huckabee and Zach Huckabee and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Sneed Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, with burial at Restland Cemetery in Gatesville.

Wanda Huckabee - (1925-2012)

Jay Norwood - (1936-2012) :

Jay Norwood
(1936–2012)

Jay was the talented fiddle player who helped Roy McGaugh and others get Pearl started. He also helped Ronald do a lot of work to help restore the old school building. Jay used to come to every Pearl event and he played on stage, played in the jams and always added fun and smiles wherever he went.

Unfortunately, Jay developed breathing problems the past few years. His lungs weren't working well so he started bringing a portable oxygen machine so he could still come enjoy the fun at Pearl but eventually that became too difficult for him so he no longer could attend.

Albert Jackson Norwood, known to many as "Jay", was called home with our Heavenly Father at the age of 76 on November 9, 2012 In Hamilton, Texas. He was originally from Midland and after learning his trade from his father-in-law, Vernon Stewart, worked as a Carpenter for many years in Midland. Jay moved to Marble Falls Texas in 1981, were he continued his passion for building houses, re-models electrical and plumbing work.

Jay started his love for playing the fiddle ever since his enlistment in the United States Navy from 1956- 1959 when he was stationed in Istanbul, Turkey. His love for Blue Grass music carried him to many "jam sessions" with his companion JoAnn Herring.

Jay is survived by a son, Michael Andrew Norwood, of Midland, Texas a daughter, Glenna Jean Box of Midland Texas; two sisters, Sandra Kay Duncan of Port Neches, Texas and Leila Evelyn Hall of Llano, Texas; one grand-daughter, Porsche Lyn Shelden, Of Winston, Oregon and two great-grandsons, Andrew Kyle Simmons of Midland, Texas and Mason Riley Evans of Winston, Oregon.

Jay Norwood - (1936-2012)

Don Miller - (1930-2012) :

Don Miller
(1930 – 2012)
Don Miller passed away at his home in Martindale, Texas, on Saturday, December 1st (Pearl day) after a long bout with cancer.

Don loved music and he came to the Pearl Bluegrass jams almost every month to see and play with his friends even though he lived way over in Martindale, Texas. Sometimes Don would bring a whole van full of musicians to Pearl with him and he told us that his passengers would often all be playing and singing music in the back of his van during the whole trip while Don drove.

Don played bass for many of the bands at Pearl and there were several times when he hardly got off the stage the whole day. The bands would change every 45 minutes but Don would stay up on stage and play for them all.

Don loved music. In addition to the bass, Don also played excellent Texas-style backup guitar for contest fiddlers, and he also played mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and dobro. In his house Don had a photo on his wall that he said he took with a tripod and a timer using "triple exposure" to make it look like he was triplets! In the picture it looked like there were 3 of him, one Don playing banjo, one Don playing fiddle, and one Don playing guitar!

Don also was well known for telling funny jokes. If there was ever a lull while the bands were switching instruments, they could always turn to Don and he would quickly keep the audience entertained with one of his good jokes.

Donald Eugene Miller was born in Austin, Texas in 1930 to Grace and John J. Miller. Don graduated from Austin High School. Don served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He was stationed in Germany and worked as an aircraft mechanic.

After his tour of duty, Don attended the University of Texas. In 1958, Don took a position with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. After 30 years service, Don retired and was able to devote more time to his many interests which included herpetology, target shooting, old-time fiddling, and blue grass music. Don was responsible for helping many young people get a start in music, especially "fiddling."

An avid reader, with an almost photographic memory, Don's library reflected his diverse interests and intellectual curiosity. He collected guns, musical instruments, cameras, books, stories, jokes and friends. Don is survived by his sister, Juanita Vaughn, three nephews, one niece, their spouses and children and many friends.

Gathering and Jam in memory of Don Miller - Saturday, April 20th
===================================
A memorial gathering and jam to remember Don is scheduled to be held at Don's house in Martindale on April 20th starting at 1 pm.  Everyone who knew Don and would like to join in honoring his memory is welcome.

We are being asked to bring chairs, potluck (if you can), and your musical instruments.  Parking will be available along the sides of the long driveway leading up to Don's house.

The address is:
     7004 FM 621
     Martindale, TX 78655-2584

For questions or more info, call Ron at: 512-665-8561

Don Miller - (1930-2012)

Grady Haynes - (1923-2012) :

Grady Haynes
(1923 – 2012)
Grady Wayne Hanes, age 89, of Gatesville passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

Funeral services will be at 3:00PM, Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Bee House Cemetery. Visitation will be 2:00 – 3:00PM, Thursday at the funeral home.

Grady was born on April 3, 1923 in Bee House, Texas to the late Albert and Onie Hanes. He was raised and attended school in Pearl, Texas. He married Veta Faye Clark on June 27, 1942. He and his wife made their home in the Pearl-Bee House area where Grady farmed and ranched. They moved to Gatesville in 1987.

Grady and Veta were always two of the most faithful attendees of the monthly Pearl Bluegrass shows and everyone enjoyed seeig their friendly and smiling faces in the audience. Grady and Veta were interviewed for the Pearl documentary and as anyone who watched the film could see, Grady was very proud to be from Pearl and they always considered it home.

Grady worked at the Gatesville State School and the medical supply office at Ft. Hood. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the Army from 1944 to 1946. Grady was saved when he was 45 years old. He joined First Baptist Church of Evant, Texas. When he moved to Gatesville, he joined Calvary Baptist Church. Grady was a former member of the Gatesville Masonic Lodge #197 A.F & A.M. and a life member of the D.A.V.

Grady was preceded in death by daughter, Linda Faye Perkins; son-in-law, Robert Perkins; and granddaughters, Cindy Perkins and Michelle Perkins. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Veta Faye Hanes; and nephews, Dr. Franklin Potts, Dr. Tommie Potts, Herbert Adams, and Clark Jackson.

Grady Haynes - (1923-2012)

Duby Todd - (1934-2012) :

Duby Todd
(1934 – 2012)
Duby Darnell Todd, of Kempner, Texas, passed away on October 25th, 2012, after a brief illness. His loving wife of 55 years, Lucy, and his son Bobby were at his side at the time of his passing.

Funeral services for Major Duby Todd were held Monday, October 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Kempner with burial to follow on Tuesday at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock.

Duby was a regular attendee at Pearl Bluegrass and he often played his guitar and sang on-stage with the Star Gang. He served as a Deacon and treasurer at First Baptist Church of Kempner where he and Lucy were active members. In his membership in the church choir he discovered a talent for singing and developed a passion for performing as a gospel singer. Through his rich baritone voice and self-accompaniment on guitar, he shared both his faith in the Lord and his love of music with thousands of people through performances at local and regional venues, and he particularly enjoyed performing at local retirement homes and assisted living facilities.

Duby was born in Ury, West Virgina, on July 22nd 1934 and was raised by his adoptive parents Calvin and Nettie Todd in West Virginia and North Carolina. After graduation from high school, Maj. Todd worked briefly at Western Electric in Greensboro, NC and served in the US Army National Guard before being accepted by the US Air Force Aviation Cadet program. Maj. Todd earned his Air Force wings at Reese AFB, Lubbock, Texas, in 1956 and served his country honorably until his retirement in 1975. While undergoing pilot training in Lubbock Maj. Todd met Lucy Collins, and the two were married in Lubbock on March 3rd, 1957. During his Air Force career, Maj. Todd flew as a pilot and Aircraft Commander on KC-97, KC-135, EC-135 "Looking Glass," and RC-135 "Rivet Joint" aircraft, and was a veteran of the Viet Nam conflict in which he served as Aircraft Commander on EC-47 aircraft stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon.

After retirement from the Air Force in 1975, Maj. Todd embarked on a 19-year second career with Texas Instruments in Lubbock and Dallas, Texas. At TI he held positions as Manufacturing Supervisor, Engineering Technician, Engineer, and Marketing Product Manager. During this time he achieved a long-held goal of completing his college education, earning a B.S. in 1984 and MBA in 1988.

Maj. Todd retired from Texas Instruments in 1994 and settled in Kempner, Texas with his wife Lucy, where he continued to pursue his interests in electronics and business through part-time employment as a teacher at Central Texas College and as a broadcast engineer for area television stations.

Maj. Todd is survived by his beloved wife Lucy Todd (ne Collins) and their three sons, Bobby of San Francisco, California; Joseph, of College Station, Texas; and Mitch, of Plano, Texas; and four grandchildren, Maegan Todd of Denton, Texas; Carson Todd and Asher Todd, both of College Station, Texas; and Miku Aoshima of Tokyo, Japan

Duby Todd - (1934-2012)

Raymond "Boots" Patton - (1930-2012) :

Raymond "Boots" Patton
(1930 – 2012)
Raymond W. Patton, 81 of San Saba passed away on Monday, February 13, 2012 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was born on September 21, 1930 to Zach and Sudie Patton in San Saba. On June 6, 2010, Boots married Bertha Bryant and they resided in San Saba.

Raymond, affectionately known as "Boots" by everyone, never met a stranger. He loved people and loved to be around people. He worked for many years for the city of San Saba. After retiring from the city, he spent much of his time playing dominoes with anyone willing to play.

Boots loved playing the guitar and played at Eventide Nursing Home every Tuesday night. He also played in Lampasas every other week at Spring Oaks with a group of men that he enjoyed strumming with. Boots also enjoyed playing with the "Star Gang" band on stage at Pearl nearly every month and he will be greatly missed by all his music friends at Pearl.

Many yards and cemeteries were mowed by Boots as he was always willing to help others. He loved being outdoors and could be seen all over San Saba County visiting and enjoying life.

Boots is survived by his wife, Bertha Patton of San Saba; daughter, Glenda Franklin and husband, Ronnie of Abilene, 8 grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. Boots was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wanda Patton; his son, David Patton; step-son, Jimmy Bryant; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Raymond "Boots" Patton - (1930-2012)

Elva Imo Medart - (1913-2011) :

Elva Imo Medart
(1913 – 2011)
Elva Imo Medart, age 97, of Pearl, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2011, at a local nursing center. Services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2011, at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Pearl Cemetery.

Imo was born October 27, 1913, in Pearl, Texas. She was the daughter of William Thomas Keeton and Elva Myrtle Freeman. Imo attended school in Pearl. She married Otha Medart on July 8, 1933, in Pearl, Texas. She worked with her husband raising cattle and Angora goats. Imo loved to work with flowers. She was a homemaker and a member of the Purmela Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Roger Medart; and a daughter, Joan Blanchard. Survivors include her son, Ronald Medart and wife, Glennyth; daughter-in-law, Deanna Medart; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Elva Imo Medart - (1913-2011)

Doyle Littlefield - (1948-2011) :

Doyle Littlefield
(1948 – 2011)
Doyle Wayne Littlefield, age 63 of Izoro, Texas died Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Scott and White Hospital in Temple. He had contracted pneumonia in both lungs and passed away of heart failure in the hospital.

Doyle was born September 10, 1948 in Lampasas, Texas, the son of A.J. Littlefield and Dorothy (Dunn) Littlefield Mitchell. Doyle believed in God and enjoyed church services and gospel music very much. He was a Baptist and later in life was baptized in the Church of Christ.

Doyle's greatest love was for his mother and bluegrass music at Pearl. Doyle and his mother loved coming to Pearl and they would often be sitting in the auditorium an hour or more early waiting for the show to start and wouldn't leave until the last person left the stage. Doyle's mother, Dorothy Mitchell, passed away earlier this year. After that, Doyle lived with his sister, Pat Shook, and they both continued to come to Pearl each month. If you were ever up on stage you could look out and see Doyle smiling up at you with his tape recorder. Doyle often taped the performances so he could continue to listen to the music he loved even when he returned home.

Surviving family members include his sister, Patricia Shook and husband Jerry of DeLeon, Texas; 2 brothers - Bill Gandy and wife Sue of Kyle and Earl Gandy and wife Sharon of Izoro, Texas; 10 nieces and nephews; 22 great nieces and nephews, plus many friends.

Doyle Littlefield - (1948-2011)

Don Johnson - (1930-2011) :

Don Johnson
(1930 – 2011)
Don L. Johnson, age 81 of Gatesville, passed away Monday October 24, 2011 at his home with his wife, Kathleen, by his side. Don was born April 30, 1930 in Shallowater, Texas to Joseph Carl and Elva Calley Johnson. He graduated from Shallowater High School. He was baptized into Christ at the Church of Christ in Shallowater as a teenager. He was currently a member of both the Gatesville and Pearl Church of Christ.

Don lived and ranched at BeeHouse. Don was a Texas State Livestock Inspector for 33 years. He loved to train and compete with horses. He participated in rodeo when he was young and wild. He loved to square dance and he held positions at both the local and state level. He was a western historian. He had a great love for all his children and grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife Kathleen; two daughters Donna Moses and Donna (David) Peterson; two sons Clayton (Lori) and Michael (Romel) Moen; two brothers Glenn (Joy) Johnson and Dale (Norretta) Johnson; 10 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren.

Don Johnson - (1930-2011)

Charles Bishop - (1927-2011) :

Hugh Charles Bishop
(1927 – 2011)
Charlie Bishop, 84, of Killeen, died of a heart attack on Oct. 29, 2011, at his home.

Charlie enjoyed dominoes, playing his guitar, country dancing, fishing, whittling, traveling and visiting with family and friends. He was associated in Killeen with the Bob Gilmore Senior Center, VFW, American Legion Post 225 and played music with friends in Killeen, Pearl, Adamsville and Lampasas.

Charlie served in the Army Air Corps and worked as a farmer and carpenter.

He is survived by two daughters, Ronda Sue and her husband, Philip Jones, of Plano and Sally Charlene and her husband, David Wolgast, of Round Rock; a sister, Sarah Exa Davis of Killeen; and his life partner, Cecilia Stiens of Killeen.

Charles Bishop - (1927-2011)

Noyes (Nockey) Willett - (1924-2011) :

Noyes (Nockey) Willett
(1924 - 2011)
The following tribute for Nockey was written by Jerry Raybun.

Today, when I got home from the Danny Ray's jam I had an email message that my former boss, friend, and avid bluegrass fan Noyes (Nockey)
Willett had passed away.

For several years, Nockey and his wife, Flo have been regular fans at Pearl. He loved all music and bluegrass music, in particular. He lived with his wife on a ranch in Pidcoke which is near Pearl. Flo regularly brought her hand made quilts to use on stage at Pearl.

Nockey was a career broadcast engineer who spent most of his years at UT, building the broadcast infrastructure for KLRN/KLRU TV and KUT FM. I don't think that Austin City Limits would be where it is today if it had not been for his vision and determination to turn KLRU into a first class broadcasting facility. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He owned a 1934 Rolls Royce named Hilda that I spent some time on helping him get it running. He absolutely loved that old car and was just like a little kid when I used to chauffer him around in it and we would drive up to Gatesville for lunch. I've attached a recent photo that I took at a RR owners club meeting here in Austin. It was taken in November of 2004.

The photo in the car was taken a few years back when a bunch of us ex-employees went up to take him out for lunch on his birthday. It was taken
at the park in Gatesville. We took Hilda & I was the official chauffer. He really loved that car. Any time he was in it and I was driving him
around, he was just like a little kid and he didn't want to go home.

Noyes (Nockey) Willett - (1924-2011)

Jerry French - (1943-2011) :

Jerry French
(1943 – 2011)
Jerry French, age 68, of Valley Mills passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20th at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Mr. French was born March 23, 1943 in Oglesby, TX. He was the son of Andy French and Birdie Raborn French. He attended schools in Oglesby and McGregor and served in US Army from March 1963 through February 1969. Mr. French retired from Valley Mills ISD in 2010 and was a member of Oak Grove Baptist church and also recently elected to the Valley Mills City council.

Jerry was a member of the Valley Mills Volunteer Fire department where he served as fire chief for many years and was currently serving as assistant fire chief. He received his 35 year service pin on September 13, 2011. He dedicated his life to serving the fire department and helping the community, family and friends, through his volunteer work at the fire department. Through his aiding, rescuing and fighting fires, he has touched infinite lives throughout the community and beyond.

Brian Byrne sent the following description about his friend.
Jerry - along with his sisters Mary, Juanita, Shirley - was a regular at the Pearl Bluegrass events for the past several years. His other sister, Edna Mae from Florida, would also come to listen to the music at Pearl when she was visiting Texas. In Pearl, Jerry found people and music he enjoyed and the monthly shows were a factor in helping Jerry overcome his heart trouble. Jerry was a sweet man who loved our band, "Borrowed Time" and the folks at Pearl. His favorite song was Last Train from Poor Valley which he often requested. We will all miss him very much.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Sherrie Roberts and fiancé Marvin of Hutto; Lisa French and boyfriend Jerry Fuentes of Valley Mills; step children Amanda Small and husband Toby and Roy (Bubba) Holden all of Gatesville. His sisters, Edna Mae Williams of Milton, FL., Shirley Henning and husband Donald of Clifton, Juanita Sargent of Valley Mills and Mary Keltner of Valley Mills. Grandchildren: Amanda, Aarin, and Sarah Roberts; Colton and Jake Lynch and Cale Bowdoin; TJ, Wyatt and Ryan Small. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry French - (1943-2011)

Bob Cox (1934-2011) :

Bob Cox
(1934 – 2011)
Robert (Bob) Cox of Whitney passed away at his residence on August 29, 2011.

Robert R. Cox (Bob) age 77 was born March 1st, 1934 in Lockney TX (Floyd County). He moved with his family in 1939 to Austin, TX where he attended Baker Elementary School, University Jr. High and graduated from Austin High School in 1952. Upon graduation he attended San Marcos State Teachers College (Texas State University). While attending he was employed as Glurpo the Underwater Clown at the Aquarena Springs in San Marcos TX. While in college, he enlisted in the USMC reserve and was selected for platoon leadership class at Quantico Virginia for a total of 8 years of service.

In May 1954, he and his beloved wife Mary and baby daughter Kathleen moved to Andrews County Texas to pursue a career in the West Texas oil fields. The following year his daughter Terry was born, and son Britt in 1960. They moved to Odessa in 1965 and He retired from Atlantic Richfield Oil and Gas as a production supervisor in 1987. He then worked for Hondo Oil and Gas, and Devon Energy. After his second retirement in 1993, he and his wife spent the next 20 years travelling across country in their R.V. Robert and his wife Mary have lived in Whitney TX the last 10 years and have been members of the First Baptist Church. They have also spent the last 10 years wintering in South Texas in Falfurrias playing golf and playing bluegrass music with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Britt Ray Cox; brother, Kenneth Cox; sisters, Marie Curlee, Linda Brake and Rita May Thames.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Whitney; children, Cat Culpepper Sayer and husband Timothy Dwayne of Gilchrist, Oregon, Terry Talley of Alvarado; sister, Jerri Wilson of Leander; 2 grandchildren, Jarrod Ray Lyon of Midland and Candice Lynn Talley of Austin.

Bob Cox (1934-2011)

Jack Johnson - (1942-2011) :

Jack Johnson
(1942 – 2011)
Jack Wayne Johnson, 68, of Lampasas passed Thursday, May 5, 2011, at his home. Jack was born Oct. 5, 1942, in Dallas, the son of Jesse C. Johnson and Ola Schuster Johnson.

Jack graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth. He married Sandra Whitley on Aug. 18, 1961, in Fort Worth. Jack was a meat cutter for the U.S. Civil Service at Carswell AFB and later Fort Hood.Jack was a longtime member of Northside Baptist Church in Weatherford and First Baptist Church in Lampasas.

Jack's love of music had him involved in a weekly group that met at Mrs. Huckaby's house, and monthly engagements at Adamsville and Pearl. He also played weekly at church for the Dorcas Sunday School Class. He was an inductee in the Gatesville Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jack was a cowboy; he loved hunting and fishing.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nona Carter; and brother-in-law, Tim Powell. Survivors: Family members include wife, Sandra Johnson of Lampasas; sons, Kirk Johnson and wife, Michelle, of Magnolia, James Johnson and wife, Jennifer, of Santo; sisters, Dorothy Powell of Bedford and Fran Johnson of Irving; grandchildren, Shelbie, Morgan, Jake, Jill and Josh; great-grandchild, Levi; brother-in-law, James Carter of Anson; sisters-in-law, Layne, Connie and Gayla; longtime school buddy, Azor Rogers of Fort Worth; and longtime family friends, the Glenns.

Jack Johnson - (1942-2011)

Dorothy Mitchell - (1922 - 2011)

Max (Barry) Booker - (1934-2011) :

Max (Barry) Booker
(1934 – 2011)

Max (Barry) Booker, 76, of Friendswood, Texas passed away on March 20, 2011 in Webster, TX. He was born to Thomas and Nina (McNiel) on May 1, 1934 in San Saba, TX.

Max was one of the first musicians who attended the monthly music event at Pearl and he was known for the friendly and helpful way he always welcomed new comers to join the jamming circle. Max loved playing his guitar with his friends and he hardly ever missed a single time at Pearl until he developed a problem with his breathing. Although Max lived nearly 5 hours away he continued to drive that long distance every month to play at Pearl even once he had to carry an oxygen tank along with him to breathe. Even after Max got too weak to drive himself he often still either found a friend who could come with him or paid a nurse to drive him to Pearl !

Max was a big fan of Chet Atkins' guitar style and he owned almost every recording Chet made. He loved to share and learn interesting tunes and chord progressions with the other guitar players in the Texas Swing room at Pearl. The photo of Max strumming his guitar was taken in that room at Pearl. A few of the songs Max especially loved to play were "Misty", "Starry, Starry Night", and "Sir John E. McDonald's Waltz". Max liked to provide guitar backup for the fiddle players and now whenever the fiddlers at Pearl play McDonald's Waltz we always remember him and say, "This one's for Max".

Max (Barry) Booker - (1934-2011)

Doyle Taylor - (1917-2010)

James R. Reed - (1955-2009) :

James R. Reed
(1955 – 2009)

Following is an introduction written by Tim Martin which he read at a tribute for James at Pearl.

Our friend James Reed passed away in an auto accident on May 6, 2009. He is survived by his wonderful family; his wife, Donna, son Ryan and daughter Abby as well as a very large number of friends and admirers.

James was a great guy in so many respects...he was a dedicated, loving husband and father and a terrific friend. He was so many things, not th eleast of which was a great musician. James loved to play, learn and teach. He spent a lot of hours in the jam rooms here at Pearl teaching young and old people alike his favorite old-time tunes. He was a truly diverse musician; he played the banjo, mandolin, guitar and fiddle. But, his one-of-a-kind ear-to-ear grin and warm, friendly greetings are two of the things we will all miss the most.

We are here today to pay tribute to him in the best way we know how, by playing music. His body was laid to rest after his funeral, but his spirit lives on. His spirit will live through many people he touched in his short 54 years. We are going to be remembering him today and playing the tunes that he played with us during so many happy times here at Pearl. He is away from us temporarily, but will never be forgotten by his adoring friends. We are here to rejoice in the gift of his friendship.

James R. Reed - (1955-2009)

Bob Burleson - (1937-2009) :

Bob Burleson
(1937 – 2009)
Robert Clair “Bob” Burleson, Jr. died Monday, April 20, 2009 at his home. Bob made his living in courtrooms, but he made his mark in life by working to conserve Texas’ natural beauty and rare archaeological sites.

He was a statewide leader and expert in collecting and preserving endangered plants and their seeds from once-plowed meadows and removing invasive and non-native plants. He was also an expert in Blackland Prairie birds and re-introduced vegetation that attracted beneficial animals and insects back into the area.

Burleson co-wrote “Backcountry Mexico,” published by the University of Texas Press, as well as a detailed canoeing and hiking guide.

Born in Temple on Oct. 24, 1937, Burleson was the son of Robert Clair Burleson Sr. and the former Ruth Bowmer. He is survived by his wife, the former Mickey Fulwiler; two daughters, Clair Burleson and Lea Burleson Buffington; and two grandchildren.

Bob Burleson - (1937-2009)

Tom Ludwick - (1931-2008) :

Tom Ludwick
(1931 – 2008)

The following information was extracted from Tom Ludwig's Bluegrass web page

I STARTED PLAYING COUNTRY GUITAR IN MY TEEN YEARS. THEN IN 1970 ATTENDED GRANT'S BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL IN HUGO,OK.AND WAS IMMEDIATELY "HOOKED" ON THE MUSIC.

I PLAYED GUITAR WITH THE "LEON VALLEY BLUEGRASS" BAND AND SHARED VOCALS WITH HOSS, ED AND RAYMIE.

Tom Ludwick - (1931-2008)

Glen Manning - (1932-2008) :

Glenn Ray Manning
(1932 – 2008)

Glenn grew up and went to school in the Pearl community. Glen met his wife to be, Antha Smith, when they were children. They started their life of singing and playing guitars together as teenagers and married in 1951. They settled in Killeen where he was a custom homebuilder. Glen was employed with Killeen Independent School District as a builder and retired in 1996. He was a self-taught guitarist and had his own unique style of guitar picking.

Glen and Antha played and sang together at church, the monthly Pearl Bluegrass gatherings and at various other places. They passed their love of singing and performing to their children and grandchildren. Glen was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a man of few words but when he spoke, it was always something worth hearing. Along with music, he enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. Glen was a member of the Pearl Church of Christ, but worshipped with his wife, Antha, at Pidcoke Baptist Church.

Glen Manning - (1932-2008)

Antha Manning - (1935-2007) :

Antha Manning
(1935 – 2007)

Antha was a member of Pidcoke Baptist Church and the church's secretary. she was also secretary of the Smith Cemetary Association and volunteered at Coryell Memorial Hospital. She and Glen were members of the Gatesville RV Club and enjoyed traveling to bluegrass festivals around Texas and beyond.

Antha and Glen played and sang together at church, the monthly Pearl Bluegrass gatherings and various other places. They passed their love of singing and performing on to their children and grandchildren. Antha was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose love was demonstrated with words and actions.

Antha Manning - (1935-2007)

Joan Blanchard - (1934-2007) :

Joan Blanchard
(1934 – 2007)

Joan grew up and went to school in Pearl. She married Wayne Blanchard in 1954. They resided in Gatesville. He preceded her in death in 1978. She then married Doyle Blanchard in January 22, 1981. She worked in the Coryell County Tax Office for 40 years and served as Tax Assessor Collector for 20 years, retiring in May 31, 1996. She was a devoted member of Mountain Baptist Church, serving as the Church Clerk for 30 years and Sunday school teacher and Vacation Bible School Superintendent for many years.

Joan enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, outdoors, camping and was much appreciated for all the volunteer work she did for the monthly Pearl Bluegrass festivals.

Joan Blanchard - (1934-2007)

James Freeman, Jr. - (1934-2007) :

James W. Freeman, Jr.
(1934 – 2007)

James attended school at Pearl. He married Beverly Doyle in 1953 and they lived most of their lives in Pearl where he farmed and ranched. Mr. Freeman was a member of the Pearl Baptist Church.
James was much appreciated for all the volunteer work he did to help restore the Pearl schoolhouse so it could be used as a Community Center.

James Freeman, Jr. - (1934-2007)

Rodney Patterson - (1935-2007) :

Rodney Patterson
(1935 – 2007)

Rodney Patterson - (1935-2007)

Bob Fudge - (1931-2006) :

Bob Fudge
(1931 – 2006)

Bob Fudge - (1931-2006)

Eddie Spradley - (1934-2006) :

Eddie Spradley
(1934 – 2006)

Eddie Spradley - (1934-2006)

Mary Lee Doyle - (1921-2006) :

Mary Lee Doyle
(1921 – 2006)

Mary Lee Doyle, age 85 of Pearl, died on Sunday, March 19, 2006 at a Gatesville nursing home. Mrs. Doyle was born on January 10, 1921 near Oglesby, Texas to the late James Wadie and Mary Ethel Boykin. She married Cleburne Doyle on June 3, 1935. She has been a resident of Pearl for over seventy years.

She worked at Walls Manufacturing for several years as a seamstress. She was a member of Pearl Baptist Church and was very involved in the Pearl Community Center. She enjoyed volunteering at the Pearl Bluegrass Festival each month.

Mary Lee Doyle - (1921-2006)

Priss (Violet) Freeman - (1913-2004 ) :

Priss (Violet) Freeman
(1913 – 2004)

Priss (Violet) Freeman - (1913-2004 )

Wayne Fleming - (1924-2004) :

Wayne Fleming
(1924 – 2004)

Wayne was born on May 24, 1924 in Coryell County, Texas to the late Grover Cleveland and Jessie White Fleming. He grew up in the Elijah community, now part of Ford Hood. He served in the army during WWII and married Gwen Smith on August 24, 1946. They resided in Cameron for 44 years and he was employed at Aloca in Rockdale for 31 years. Wayne also was active in the Milam County Pecan Association and the 4-H Club of Milam County.

Wayne and Gwen moved back to Gatesville in 1998. Wayne was very active in the Pearl Community Center and cooked for the monthly bluegrass music festival in Pearl.

Wayne Fleming - (1924-2004)

Hoss King - (1934-2001) :

Hoss King
(1934 – 2001)

The following information was extracted from Tom Ludwig's Bluegrass web page

HOSS WAS BORN AND RAISED IN EASTERN TENNESSEE,AND NORTHEN ALABAMA ,WHERE HIS MAIN INFLUENCES WERE MONROE,AND FLATT AND SCRUGGS.

HOSS PLAYED ALL INSTRUMENTS, BUT HIS MAIN THING WAS MANDOLIN AND TENOR AND LEAD VOCALS. HIS UNIQUE STYLE ON THE MANDOLIN,HAS PROMPTED MANY YOUNG PICKERS TO COPY HIM.

Hoss King - (1934-2001)

Ed Shelton - (1999) :

Ed Shelton
(1999)

The following information was extracted from Tom Ludwick's Bluegrass web page.

EDDIE WAS ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZED,AND INFLUENTIAL BANJO PICKERS AROUND. HE TAUGHT SOME OF THE BEST AND INFLUENCED MANY OTHERS.

EDDIE WROTE SEVERAL OF THE BEST INSTRUMENTAL TUNES FOR THE BANJO. HE RECORDED AN ALBUM IN 1976 WITH VINCE GILL ,BOBBY CLARK, BOB DAVIS AND DAVE FERGUSON THAT HAS BECOME A STANDARD FOR BANJO PICKERS TRYING TO LEARN HIS STYLE.

Ed Shelton - (1999)

Otha Medart - ( ) :

Otha Medart

Otha Medart - ( )

B.F. and Hattie DeLoach - (1940) Pearl Justice of Peace for 40 yrs :

B.F. and Hattie DeLoach
(1940)
Pearl Justice of the Peace for 40 years

B.F. and Hattie DeLoach - (1940)
Pearl Justice of Peace for 40 yrs

If you have a question about Pearl or this website, click here => ** CONTACT PEARL **

Available Feeds

Recent Galleries:

Atom |

RSS

Recent Photos:

Atom |

RSS

Recent Videos:

Atom |

RSS |

AppleTV

Popular Category Photos:

Atom |

RSS