Our beloved uncle, Jerry Lowell Chiles, passed away at the age of 86 at his residence in Grand Junction, Colorado, on October 9, 2024.
Jerry was born to Leonard Dal Chiles and Marjorie Dean Jack Chiles on September 21, 1938 in Hereford, Texas. He was predeceased by his brother, David, and nephew, Joe. He is survived by his niece, Christie Chiles (John) Hatch, nephews, David Chiles, Cory Chiles, Nathan (Rebecca) Chiles, and numerous grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews.
Raised on a farm in Friona, Texas, Jerry learned hard work and self-reliance at a young age. His family spent summer vacations fishing near the old mining town of Crested Butte, Colorado. After graduating from Friona High School in 1957, Jerry moved to Dallas and worked for Goodwill Industries, where he developed an interest in antiques and coins. After a ski resort opened near Crested Butte in the mid-1960s, he decided to move there and try his fortune in the now growing town. A few years later, his mother, Marjorie, joined him. During his four decades in Colorado, Jerry operated heavy equipment, plowed snow, built or expanded three houses, and served as Crested Butte’s first fire chief, a post he held for 30 years. His hobbies included fly fishing, hunting, mushrooming, and woodworking. A confirmed bachelor, he took care of his mother as she got older and was a significant presence in the lives of his niece, nephews, and their families.
In 2003, Jerry moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he lived in a house down the street from his niece, Christie, for 8 years. After she and her husband moved to Pennsylvania, they relocated Jerry to White Horse Village in the rural country west of Philadelphia. In 2022, all three of them moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where he lived out the rest of his days.
Billy Joe Neely, 92 of Friona passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 13, 2024. Viewing was held from 9:00AM to 8:00PM with family visitation from 5:00PM to 7:00PM Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Celebration of Life Services set for 2:00PM Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church in Friona with Pastor Brett Hoyle and Pastor D. Jay Lewis, officiating. Burial is set for 1:00 PM Friday, October 18, 2024 in the Meridian Cemetery in Meridian, Texas by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Billy was born on March 2, 1932, in Meridian, Texas. After graduating from Meridian High School, he attended Weatherford Junior College on a basketball scholarship and later earned his master’s degree from Trinity University in San Antonio. Billy also served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 11 years. Throughout his life, he was a devoted deacon at several churches, with his final membership and service as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in Friona. Billy dedicated 34 years of his professional life to healthcare administration, retiring in 2004. The last 14 years of his career were spent at Parmer Medical Center in Friona, where he played a vital role in laying the groundwork for a new community hospital. A Mason for over 60 years, he served as Master of South Hills Lodge No. 1389 from 1969-1970. He was also actively involved in his community, serving as President of the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, President of Little League Baseball, and a member of both the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs. Additionally, he was the Vice Chairman of the Texas Hospital Association’s Small and Rural Hospital Committee. Billy was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting, often enjoying these activities with his longtime friend, Jay.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Barbara Jean White Neely; his father, Marshall F. Neely; his mother, Gertrude Gardner Neely Bell; and his sister, Mary Elouise Neely Preston. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Baca Neely; his daughter, Marsha Gayle Neely Hafer and her husband, Tom, of McKinney, Texas; his son, Stephen Paul Neely and his wife, Traci, of Bullard, Texas; his stepdaughter, Stephanie Cabrera Blanco and her husband, Eric, of Midland, Texas; his stepson, John Andrew Cabrera, of Michigan; his brother-in-law, Raul Braillif, of Friona; 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Calvary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 276, Friona, Texas 79035, or Parmer Medical Center, 1307 Cleveland, Friona, Texas 79035.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book on Mr. Neely’s memorial page exclusively at:
Jim D. Parker, aged 78, passed away on October 9, 2024, in Carrollton, Texas. Born on August 18, 1946, Jim devoted his life to education, music, and service, touching the lives of many with his kindness and quiet strength.
Jim graduated from Dublin High School and went on to further his education at Sul Ross University (BA Music Education), Tarleton State University (Master of Education), and West Texas A&M at Canyon (mid-management and superintendent certification), fostering a lifelong passion for learning. He served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971, where he developed a resilience that would define his career and personal endeavors.
A revered music educator, Jim spent over forty years in various educational roles. He was a beloved band director at schools across West Texas, including Mart, Gail, and Friona, where his bands consistently won Sweepstakes Awards. Later, he transitioned into administrative roles, becoming the principal of Friona Primary School and subsequently the superintendent of Friona ISD.
Jim’s passion for music extended into his religious life; he was an active choir director and member at Mart First United Methodist Church, Post First United Methodist Church, and Friona First United Methodist Church. His commitment to music ministry lasted over a lifetime with 25 years at Friona United Methodist Church, enriching many services and events.
Outside of his professional and religious commitments, Jim enjoyed directing and singing in a gospel group that performed across western Texas. His living choral Christmas tree was renowned and much appreciated over the years in the area. He also directed the Borden County Bicentennial Celebration which was attended by over 10,000 people which was famous and included a parade, cattle drive and played to a packed auditorium.
He was known as “Captain Community” by Jan because was always giving to others in any way he could. He was also a passionate advocate for animal welfare and was always looking for ways to improve the lives of abandoned pets.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife, Janice Parker; son, Jon Parker and daughter-in-law, Karen; grandchildren, Bennett, Wimberleigh, Hannah and her husband Mark, Kaitlin, Bethany and her husband James; sister, Delores; in-laws, Oma T. Martin, Ken and Fran Jurney, Kristi and Mark Stevens; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. His devoted dog, Snoopy, will miss his rides in the pickup twice a day. He was preceded in death by his parents, “Mickey” Lee Foley Parker and William “Red” Davis Parker.
Visitation was at Harrell Funeral home from 12:00-1:45 p.m. on October 14, 2024. A graveside service was held at New Dublin Live Oak Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on October 14, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Erath County Humane Society, 891 E Road, Stephenville, Texas 76401.
Jim’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and joy in music will resonate with all who knew him.