Obituaries

Altha Jean Williams McNeely was born June 27, 1931, in Borger, the daughter of the late Jessie Lee (Jack) Williams and Gladys Elizabeth McWilliams Williams. Her parents divorced and she and her mother moved from Borger to Dallas when she was five years old, joining her grandmother. She moved to Italy in 1940, with her mother and grandmother, where her mother taught school for many years. She graduated from Italy High School in 1948. She attended Draughton’s Business College in Dallas after graduation. She married Roy Gene McNeely August 7, 1950. She worked in Dallas while Roy was serving in the Army in Korea. She was active in genealogy research and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Italy. She also worked for the Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, the Italy News Herald, Ennis Business Forms, the Drawing Board (Pitney Bowes) and The Reporter Newspaper. She published The Gladiator 1948 newsletter for almost 20 years, was involved in the Italy Ex-Students Association and wrote several books about the history of Italy, Italy churches, her family history, her and Roy’s journeys to Texas courthouses and “Letters From Korea, based on letters that Roy sent her during the 1950’s as he served in the U.S. Army as Staff Sergeant with the 25th Division Wolfhounds in the Korean

John Roy Marchbanks, Jr. passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 2, 2022. He was surrounded by his family who loved and cared for him deeply. Roy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, respected co-worker, and faithful friend. Born in Waxahachie, Texas on March 7, 1951 to John Roy and Mary Nell Thompson Marchbanks, Roy graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1969. He attended Baylor University and University of Texas at Arlington and graduated with a Marketing Degree. He married Pamela Annear on December 9, 1972, and they were married for almost 50 years. Roy worked for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company for 42 years as an Insurance Agent. He cared deeply for his customers and did all he could to tend to their insurance needs. He was a man of outstanding character and admired by all who knew him. When he was not working, he loved high school football and watching college football on television. The source of his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Roy deeply loved his children and grandchildren. He love attending the grandchildren’s activities which was the highlight of his life. They brought light, laughter, and immeasurable joy. Hannah, Lily, Luke and James each brought their own brand of happiness to him. Simply stated, his grandchildren were his life for the past 15 years. He was the true definition of a family man. He fought a valiant battle against cancer for over 2 years. His strength and optimistic outlook during this difficult time could only be attributed to his faith in Jesus. His courage was truly admirable. Roy professed his love for Jesus in his early life. He chose to recommit himself to the Lord in May of 2021 when he, his wife, and granddaughter Lily were baptized. Roy spoke often of that event during his last few months here on earth. He was at peace with the Lord and told his family he was ready to go to heaven. He is survived by his loving wife Pam of almost 50 years. His son, Mat

Glenda Darlene King, age 63, of Frost, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at her home with her family by her side. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Frost Baptist Church, with Pastor Ronnie Dabney officiating. Visitation will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro, Texas. Burial will be at