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SAVE THE DATE: Jim Ned Homecoming Parade, September 6, 2024.

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Tommy was the father of Jim Ned alumni Bradee (2020), Jordan (2010) and Taylor (2008).  Please keep the family in your prayers.

Tommy Lynn Ross passed into eternity on April 15, 2024. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 5-7pm at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10am at River of Life Church in Abilene, Texas.

Born on Christmas Eve of 1952 in Baird, Texas, to Ted and Ozella Ross, he leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity. Known for his endless love for Jesus, Tommy's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading kindness to those around him.

Tommy's profound love for his wife, Dayna, their daughters, and his grandchildren was at the very heart of his being. They, in return, adored him deeply. To his grandchildren, he wasn't just a grandfather; he was "Daddio" - a title that epitomized the unique, joyful, and loving relationship they shared. Their bond was special, filled with joy, laughter, and countless memories.

Never one to sit still, Tommy made sure retirement was chock-full of adventures with Dayna, turning every day into a "let's see where the road takes us" kind of day. He had a knack for turning everyday moments into life lessons, always ready with a story or a helping hand-and if you were really lucky, both. Known for his willingness to give you the shirt off his back, Tommy's legacy is one of love, laughter, and generosity. His giving spirit was evident to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Ozella Ross, and his brother, Allen Ross.

He is survived by his wife, Dayna; daughters, Taylor, Bradee, Jordan and her husband Ryan Pease; grandchildren, True, Dakota, Grayson, and Emerson; brother, Bobby Ross and wife Mary; sister, Lurlene Roch; mother-in-law, Deanna Pursley; niece, Talon and her husband Cody Bays; nephews, Randy Roch and Cale Romick; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and family members and countless close friends.

As we celebrate Tommy's life, we remember a man who was not only beloved by his family but who also left his mark on the hearts of everyone he met. In leiu of flowers, donations can be made in Tommy's name to Big Country Walk to Emmaus P.O. Box 5080, Abilene, Texas 79608.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Tommy Ross, please visit our flower store.

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Please keep Tom Earnest (1989) and his family in your prayer as they morn the loss of Tom's wife Cathy.

Amy Harris - Jim Ned Alumni Association

We do not have many details yet, but please keep JNHS Class of ‘89 graduate Tom Earnest and his daughters (ages 14 & 18) in your prayers. Tom’s wife, Cathy, was killed in a crash this morning (April 13th). Cathy was an experienced motorcyclist, but the other driver ran a red light. No one else was injured, but their youngest was present when it happened. I’ll share more when possible.

UPDATE: We are so very thankful for y’all and the multitude of prayers going up on behalf of Cathy Taylor Earnest’s family and all who loved her. Due to her daughters’ school/finals schedules, Cathy’s service will likely fall sometime between May 3-10 in Oklahoma City. Our love to you all and PLEASE look twice or more(!) while driving. The ripple effect/loss felt from one fatal accident is tremendous.

UPDATE: 

Memorial service for Cathy Taylor Earnest:

Memorial Road Church of Christ

Edmond, OK

Monday, May 6, 2024

1:43pm

Please continue to keep Tom, Landry, Casady, Mike, Becky Taylor Zajac & her family, my mom & our X & H, and the many, many folks who knew and loved Cathy in your prayers. It is so very appreciated.

From their oldest daughter, Landry, on the significance of the service time -

Something about my mom: 143 was her favorite number. She used it in everything. It stands for the number of letters in the words “I love you”. She loved well and she loved big.

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Linda was the mother of alumni Sherry Hicks ('84) and Audra Johns ('86).  Please keep this family in your prayers through this trying time.

Linda Lee Humphreys Johnson went to be with Jesus on March 18, 2024 in her sleep at her daughters home in Nolan Divide.

She married James "Hookey" Johnson on June 4th, 1965 in Abilene Texas. They went on to build their little family in Buffalo Gap, Texas where she still resided. Our mom loved God with all her heart and she was an amazing wife and mother. She took wonderful care of our daddy until his passing in June of 2019. After his passing our momma loved serving in many different areas with her daughters at Beltway Park Church such as Benevolence, Kiors Outside, and Earth Angels, which is a ministry that my sister started to help people in nursing homes that have little to no visitation or anyone to love on them. Our momma loved loving on people.

She retired from First National Bank after 20 plus years to hang out with our daddy doing the things that they enjoyed together, which was fishing , camping and visiting their friends and family. She was a proud Abilene High Eagle and was always rooting for them but nothing like she rooted for her daughters.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 54 years, James Johnson: a granddaughter, Dannielle Ledbetter: a grandson, Colt Davis: her parents, Dale and Polly Humphreys: several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, many other beloved family members.

She leaves behind her daughters, Sherry Johnson Hicks of Buffalo Gap, Audra Johns of Nolan Divide. Three granddaughers, Ashten Jenkins of Merkel, Tx: Allicia Cannon of Sweetwater, Tx: Michelle Ledbetter of Sweetwater, Tx: Six grandchildren, Callan and Linlee Jenkins, Zachary, Stokely and Brody Pierce and Alyssa Ledbetter. One uncle, Burl McWilliams and a cousin Sharron Ellison.

We really want to say thank you to all the Beltway staff that took time out of their day to sit and visit with her on a daily basis. We also want to thank Randy Turner, for doing her service and Fry-Smith Funeral Home for taking such good care of her.

In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Linda Johnson, please visit our flower store.

Visitation

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Fry~Smith Funeral Home

502 KENT AVE, Tuscola, TX 79562

Graveside Service

Thursday, March 21, 2024

1:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)

Buffalo Gap Cemetery

FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 7950

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Jim Ned Alumni Association

Marissa Lynn Thomas 

**2023-2024 JN Alumni Board Members**

Marissa Thomas Davis-President

Chantel Gallaway- Secretary

Telitha Webb-Treasurer

Lynsie Rice Paylor-Event Coordinator

Juliann Kelley-Event Co-Coordinator

Justin Caraway-Entertainment Coordindator

Thanks to Crystal Stanaland for serving on the Alumni Board for many years. We appreciate your time and hard work! She deserves a much needed break!

Everyone is looking forward to working together! We can't wait to let everyone know what we have in the works for the upcoming year! With y'all's support, we can do big things! More details coming soon about the Jim Ned Alumni Scholarship being given this May!! Go! Big Red!!

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