1848 - 1925 (76 years)
Generation: 1
1. | Martha "Mattie" Hutchinson was born on 16 May 1848 in Georgia; died on 25 Jan 1925 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
Could not locate a Texas Death Certificate on the Texas, Deaths, 1890-1976 database at Familysearch.org.
FindAGrave shows her as Martha "Mattie" Hutchinson Smith, and lists her location of birth as Autauga County, Alabama. It further shows that she and William Washington Bickley were married 4 Jan 1870 in Talbot County, Georgia, and had seven children. (Memorial # 39404881, showing Burial at the Hemphill City Cemetery). A second FindAGrave Memorial exists (# 64919395) which instead shows her burial at Bickley Cemetery. A photo of this double tombstone with her husband, William W. Bickley is shown. Her date of birth is engraved, apparently in error, as May 18, 1884.
On the death certificates of sons Robert and Willie Simon, she is shown as Mattie Hutchinson (Hutcherson). On the death certificate of daughter, Tinie May, and the one for her son, Horace Bickley, she is instead listed as Mattie Smith. Could she have remarried after her husband William Bickley died in 1907, perhaps accounting for the inconsistent names, and for the two headstones in differing cemeteries?
Martha married William W. Bickley on 4 Jan 1870 in Georgia. William was born on 10 Nov 1846 in Georgia; died on 29 Oct 1907; was buried in Bickley Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 2. Millie L. Bickley was born about 1871 in Georgia; and died.
- 3. Tinie Mae Bickley was born on 24 Jul 1873 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 10 Nov 1952 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
- 4. Robert W. "Bob" Bickley was born on 22 Mar 1875 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 16 Dec 1955 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
- 5. Horace D. Bickley was born on 7 Feb 1879 in Texas; died on 25 Jan 1967 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas.
- 6. Willie Simon Bickley was born on 10 Dec 1881 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; died on 17 Aug 1967 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland, Jefferson County, Texas.
- 7. Anna M. Bickley was born in Oct 1888 in Texas; and died.
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Generation: 2
2. | Millie L. Bickley (1.Martha1) was born about 1871 in Georgia; and died. Notes:
Appears to have died prior to the 1900 census, when her mother was shown as the mother of six children, five still living.
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3. | Tinie Mae Bickley (1.Martha1) was born on 24 Jul 1873 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 10 Nov 1952 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K3ZC-4BV
name: Tinie May Bickley
event: Death
event date: 10 Nov 1952
residence Hewitt Nursing Home, Bronson, Texas
event place: Beaumont, Jefferson, Texas, United States
gender: Female
marital status: Single
birth date: 24 Jul 1873
birthplace: Sabine, Texas
father's name: William Bickley
mother's name: Mattie Smith
certificate number: 55321
film number: 2113701
digital folder number: 005145653
image number: 02857
Collection: "Texas, Deaths (New Index, New Images), 1890-1976," Tinie May Bickley, 1952
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4. | Robert W. "Bob" Bickley (1.Martha1) was born on 22 Mar 1875 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 16 Dec 1955 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
Name: Robert William [???Wilson?? per son Clydes Death Certificate] Bickley
Death Date: 16 Dec 1955
Death Place: Beaumont, Jefferson Co., Texas (Length of Stay 4 years)
Gender: Male
Race: white
Death Age: 80 years 8 months 24 days
Estimated Birth Date:
Birth Date: 22 Mar 1875
Birthplace: Sabine County, Texas
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: William W. Bickley
Father's Birthplace: Georgia
Mother's Name: Mattie Hutchison
Mother's Birthplace: Alabama
Occupation: Lumberman
Place of Residence: Beaumont
Cemetery:
Burial Place: Hemphill, Texas
Burial Date: 16 Dec 1955
Additional Relatives:
Film Number: 2114548
Digital Film Number: 4163992
Image Number: 2189
Reference Number: 62134
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976
(Research):
Census Listings:
1910 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Pr. No. 6
Enumerated 3 May 1910
SD 2 ED 133 Sheet 25 B
75-75
Bickley, Robt W. Hd M W 33 M1 6 Tx Ga Ga BlackSmith Public Shop
Bickley, Nettie Wf F W 32 M 6 2/1 Tx Al Miss
Bickley, Elwynn Son M W 2 S Tx Tx Tx
1920 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 6
Enumerated 7 Jan 1920
SD 326 Ed 173 Sheet 7A Stamped 203
129-129
Bickley, Robert W. Head M W 43 M Tx Ga Ga Blacksmith Own Shop
Bickley, Genette K Wf F W 42 M Tx Miss Ala
Bickley, Elwin W Son M W 12 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Ruth E Dtr F W 8 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Clyde H Son M W 5 7/12 S Tx Tx Tx
1930 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 1 East Mayfield Town
Enumerated April 4, 1920
ED 202-1 SD 19 Sheet 1B Stamped 50
13-19
Bickley, Robert W. Head O $1000 M W 55 M 28 Tx Ga Ga Blacksmith
Bickley, Nettie E Wf F WE 55 M 28 Tx Al Miss
Bickley, William E. Son M W 22 S Tx Tx Tx Agent Machines
Bickley, Ruth E. Dtr F W 18 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Clyde H. Son M W 13 S Tx Tx Tx
Robert married Eliza Jeanette "Nettie" Davidson about 1904 in Texas. Eliza (daughter of William Richard Davidson and Sarah Josephine Drawhorn) was born on 5 Feb 1875 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 18 Jan 1941 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 8. William Elwin "Duck" Bickley was born on 29 May 1907 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 10 Mar 1982 in Jefferson County, Texas.
- 9. Ruth Ellen Bickley was born on 7 Jun 1911 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 26 Oct 2004 in Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
- 10. Clyde Henry "Pickle" Bickley was born on 7 Jun 1916 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 27 Dec 1969 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
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5. | Horace D. Bickley (1.Martha1) was born on 7 Feb 1879 in Texas; died on 25 Jan 1967 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K3FM-DXN
name: Horace D Bickley
event: Death
event date: 25 Jan 1967
event place: Houston, Harris, Texas, United States
gender: Male
marital status: Married
birth date: 07 Feb 1880
occupation farmer
veteran? no
birthplace: , Texas
father's name: William Bickley
mother's name: Mattie Smith
certificate number: 10079
film number: 2138242
digital folder number: 005164798
image number: 01397
Collection: "Texas, Deaths (New Index, New Images), 1890-1976," Horace D Bickley, 1967
(Research):
Census Listings:
1920 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP One
Enumerated 13 Jan 1920
SD 226 ED 168 Sheet 13A
Hemphill and Fairdale Road
253-269
Bickley, Horace D head m W 40 m Tx Ga Ga Drayman General Hauling
Bickley, Della Wf F W 37 M Tx Miss Tx
Bickley, Clarence L Son M W 17 S Tx Tx Tx Salesman Retail Drug Store
Bickley, Minnie M Dtr F W 15 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Mattie C Dtr F W 14 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, James P Son M W 11 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Horace D Jr Son M W 7 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Hellen A Dtr F W 2 5/12 S Tx Tx Tx
1930 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP 1
Enumerated April 14, 1930
ED 202-2 SD 19 Sheet 6A Stamped 20
112-136
Bickley, Horace Head M W 51 M 21 Tx Ga Miss Night Watchman City
Bickley, Della Wf F W 47 M 17 Tx Miss Tx
Bickley, Helen Dtr F W 12 S Tx Tx Tx
Family/Spouse: Della Meador. Della (daughter of James T. Meador and Martha Ann Oliver) was born on 7 Aug 1883 in Texas; died on 4 Apr 1972 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 11. Clarence L. Bickley was born about 1903 in Texas; and died.
- 12. Minnie Mae Bickley was born on 13 Jan 1904 in Texas; died on 13 Nov 1986 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
- 13. Mattie C. Bickley was born about 1906 in Texas; and died.
- 14. James P. Bickley was born about 1909 in Texas; and died.
- 15. Horace D. Bickley, Jr. was born on 1 Oct 1912 in Texas; died on 13 Nov 1923 in Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas.
- 16. Helen Arzine Bickley was born on 18 Jul 1917 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died on 12 Feb 2012 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Forest Park (Forest Park Lawndale) Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas.
- 17. Arnette Bickley was born on 6 May 1921 in Texas; died on 24 Sep 1927 in Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas.
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6. | Willie Simon Bickley (1.Martha1) was born on 10 Dec 1881 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; died on 17 Aug 1967 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland, Jefferson County, Texas. Notes:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDYY-XQG
name: Willie S. Bickley
death date: 17 Aug 1967
death place: Houston, Harris, Texas
gender: Male
race: White
death age: 85 years
estimated birth date:
birth date: 10 Dec 1881
birthplace: Geneva, Sabine, Texas
marital status: Married
spouse's name:
father's name: William W. Bickley
father's birthplace:
mother's name: Mattie Hutcherson
mother's birthplace:
occupation: Ice Man
place of residence: Houston, Harris, Texas
cemetery: Memory Gardens Cemetery
burial place: Nederland, Texas
burial date: 17 Aug 1967
additional relatives: X
film number: 2138676
digital film number: 4027153
image number: 568
reference number: cn52046
Collection: "Texas, Deaths, 1890-1976," Willie S. Bickley, 1967
(Research):
Census Listings:
1920 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Texas, JP One
Enumerated 13 Jan 1920
SD 326 ED 168 Sheet 13A
256-272
Bickley, Willis S Head m W 36 M Tx Ga Ga Ice Deaker Own House
Bickley, Louise Wf F W 31 M Tx Ala Ala
Bickley, Sue Dtr F W 14 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Eva M Dtr F W 9 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Anna M Dtr F W 5 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Wilbur B Son M W 3 6/12 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, William W Son m W 1 1/12 S Tx Tx Tx
1930 Census
Texas, Sabine County, JP One
Enumerated April 8, 1930
SD 202-21 ED 19 Sheet 2A Stamped 16
26-27
Bickley, Willis S Head M W 48 M 28 Tx Ga Ala Retail Merchant
Bickley, Louise M Wf F W 42 M 22 Tx Ala Ala
Bickley, Eva Dtr F W 18 S Tx Tx Tx Bookkeeper Insurance office
Bickley, Marie Dtr F M 16 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Wilbur Son M W 13 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Weston Son M W 11 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickley, Bonnie Dtr F W 8 S Tx Tx Tx
Bickely, Patsy Dtr F W 3 5/12 S Tx Tx Tx
1940 Census
Texas, Sabine County, Hemphill City, JP 1
Enumerated April 9, 1940
SD 42-2 ED 202 Sheet 3A
Row 20
Bickley, William S Head M W 58 Tx Same House Salesman Ice Co
Bickley, Louise Wf F W 51 M Tx Same House
Bickley, Wilbur (ab) Son m W 23 S Tx Same House Carpenter Road Construction
Bickley, Weston Son M W 21 S Tx Same House Cook CCC Camp
Bickley, Patsy Dtr F W 12 S Tx Same House
Bickley, Nell Dtr F W 6 S Tx Same house
Willie married Nannie Eliza Arnold on 21 Dec 1902 in Sabine County, Texas. Nannie (daughter of William Thomas Arnold and Susan Lucine Halbert) was born on 29 Feb 1884 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 5 Dec 1905 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Bickley Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 18. Leslie Irvine Bickley was born on 20 Feb 1904 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 17 Jan 1907 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Bickley Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
- 19. Sue Bickley was born on 9 May 1905 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; died on 27 Jun 1951 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
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Willie married Louise Elizabeth Norsworthy after 1906. Louise was born on 23 Apr 1888 in Texas; died on 15 May 1989 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland, Jefferson County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 20. Eva Bickley was born on 17 Oct 1911 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; died on 2 Dec 2009 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas.
- 21. Anna Marie Bickley was born about 1915 in Sabine County, Texas; and died.
- 22. Wilbur B. Bickley was born about 1914 in Sabine County, Texas; and died.
- 23. William Weston Bickley was born about 1919 in Texas; and died.
- 24. Living
- 25. Living
- 26. Living
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Generation: 3
9. | Ruth Ellen Bickley (4.Robert2, 1.Martha1) was born on 7 Jun 1911 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 26 Oct 2004 in Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
On her FindAGrave memorial page, created by Kay Parker McCary, it is noted that Ruth shares a double marker with her brother, Clyde H. "Pickle" Bickley.
Ruth married Winslow Morris McDowell between 1930 and 1946. Winslow was born on 26 May 1907 in Texas; died on 28 Jul 1962 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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10. | Clyde Henry "Pickle" Bickley (4.Robert2, 1.Martha1) was born on 7 Jun 1916 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 27 Dec 1969 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
Goes by "Pickle."
Name: Clyde Henry Bickley
Death Date: 27 Dec 1969
Death Place: Hemphill, Sabine, Texas
Gender: Male
Race:
Death Age: 53 years
Estimated Birth Date: 1916
Birth Date:
Birthplace: Texas
Marital Status: Never Married
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: Robert Wilson Bickley
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Gennett Davidson
Mother's Birthplace:
Informant: Mrs. Ruth McDowell, sister
Occupation: Clerk, General store
Place of Residence:
Cemetery: Hemphill Cemetery
Burial Place:
Burial Date:
Additional Relatives:
Film Number: 2218604
Digital Film Number: 4168894
Image Number: 274
Reference Number: 90558
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976
(Medical):See attached sources.
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12. | Minnie Mae Bickley (5.Horace2, 1.Martha1) was born on 13 Jan 1904 in Texas; died on 13 Nov 1986 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Notes:
She taught school, and with her husband also ran a general store.
Minnie married Von Bergen Elliott on 1 Nov 1924. Von (son of James Elliott and Laura McAfee) was born on 17 Jan 1896 in Milam, Sabine County, Texas; died on 6 Nov 1985 in San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:
- 30. Micky Vaughan Elliott was born on 16 Aug 1926 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 19 Aug 2020 in Austin, Travis County, Texas; was buried in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, Austin, Travis County, Texas.
- 31. Living
- 32. Living
- 33. Arnette Bickley Elliott was born on 27 May 1933 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 26 Dec 2019 in Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas.
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15. | Horace D. Bickley, Jr. (5.Horace2, 1.Martha1) was born on 1 Oct 1912 in Texas; died on 13 Nov 1923 in Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas. |
16. | Helen Arzine Bickley (5.Horace2, 1.Martha1) was born on 18 Jul 1917 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died on 12 Feb 2012 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Forest Park (Forest Park Lawndale) Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas. Notes:
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X2JX-YXS
name: Helen Arzine Bickley
event: Birth
event date: 18 Jul 1917
event place: Hemphill, Sabine, Texas, United States
gender: Female
father: Horace Bickley
mother: Della Meador
certificate number: 30467
digital folder number: 004492063
image number: 00372
Collection: "Texas, Birth Certificates, 1903-1935," Helen Arzine Bickley, 1917
Obituary, as posted on FindAGrave:
Helen A. Ferguson passed away peacefully on February 12, 2012; she was 94. She was born in Hemphill, Texas on July 18, 1917 to Horace D. and Della Meador Bickley.
She devoted her life to caring for her parents and brothers, Leo and Percy Bickley. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mike L. Ferguson, of Stewart and Stevenson; and their son, Michael Wayne Ferguson, of the Houston Fire Department. She is survived by granddaughter, Gayle Ferguson Hall and her husband Wade Hall; great-grandchildren, Alexis Ferguson and Hunter Hall, and daughter-in-law Linda Ferguson. She is also survived by grandson and loving caretaker, Wayne Ferguson and his mother, Paula Witt, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held at Forest Park Lawndale on Thursday, February 16th at 2 pm, immediately followed by a graveside service and interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, reception to follow.
Published in Houston Chronicle on February 15, 2012
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17. | Arnette Bickley (5.Horace2, 1.Martha1) was born on 6 May 1921 in Texas; died on 24 Sep 1927 in Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas. |
18. | Leslie Irvine Bickley (6.Willie2, 1.Martha1) was born on 20 Feb 1904 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 17 Jan 1907 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Bickley Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. |
19. | Sue Bickley (6.Willie2, 1.Martha1) was born on 9 May 1905 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; died on 27 Jun 1951 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. Family/Spouse: Robert Henry Shuff. Robert was born on 20 Jun 1892 in Mamou, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana; died on 16 Jun 1957 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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20. | Eva Bickley (6.Willie2, 1.Martha1) was born on 17 Oct 1911 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; died on 2 Dec 2009 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas. Notes:
From FindAGrave:
EVA BICKLEY CORLEY, entered into rest on December 2, 2009. She was born on October 17, 1911 in a log cabin in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas. She had lived in Houston since 1946 but was proud of her deep East Texas background. Eva was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Louise Bickley, four sisters and two brothers. Also preceded her is Herman Corley, the father of her twins. Survivors include her son Kenneth Corley and his twin sister, Kay Corley Kidder and her husband Harrold Kidder; granddaughter, Kathleen Kidder; one sister, Nell Trautmann and husband Henry of Georgetown along with many nieces and nephews. Eva retired from US Civil Service in 1974 after 40 years of service. She was a member of St. Stephens Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 7 in the Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home with Doug Horton officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to service. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Published in Houston Chronicle on December 5, 2009
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Generation: 4
30. | Micky Vaughan Elliott (12.Minnie3, 5.Horace2, 1.Martha1) was born on 16 Aug 1926 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 19 Aug 2020 in Austin, Travis County, Texas; was buried in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, Austin, Travis County, Texas. Notes:
Virgie Speights writes that he is a vice-president of Gulf Supply, and lived in New Orleans.
Obituary, copied from his FindAGrave memorial page
Mickey Vaughn Elliott was born on August 16, 1926 to Von Bergen & Minnie Bickley Elliott in Hemphill, Texas and passed away peacefully at his home in Austin on Wednesday, the 19th day of August, 2020, three days following his 94th birthday.
Always a proud American, and even prouder Texan, Mickey lived an honorable life of achievement and service to others, and knew that he was blessed beyond measure. Those who met him would quickly sense his abundant optimism, vision, kindness, generosity, faith and most of all, love for family and friends. He always saw the very best in people and found his greatest joy in helping others. He was honest in all that he did and set the standard for all of his family of what it means to live your faith by your words and actions every single day. Mickey will be deeply missed, but his family rejoices for the long, wonderful life that he lived, and the amazing joyful eternal life that he is now living.
Truly a member of the "Greatest Generation", Mickey began working early as a young boy in his family's tomato packing and shipping shed ? and started the first of his many lifetime entrepreneurial endeavors at age 5 selling cold soda pop to the workers in the hot tomato shed, and the farmers who would bring in their tomatoes to sell.
Just a few years later, around age 7, Mickey and his only slightly order aunt Helen became the milk man and milk lady in Hemphill, delivering fresh milk from his parents' cows milked earlier that morning before going to school each day. Neither Helen's or Mickey's legs were long enough to reach the gas pedal of his father's Ford Model T, so they had to improvise and use a two by four piece of lumber to reach the gas pedal to drive the car, and get the job done. As a young boy Mickey also loved to ride his pony named Dolly.
Mickey grew up in the Hemphill United Methodist Church, the Fellowship Hall and Youth Building of which are dedicated to his parents. The Methodist Church has always been the foundation stone of his life, and a great comfort in good times and not so good times. Mickey attended elementary school and high school in Hemphill, graduating early at age 16. He then started college at the University of Texas and was a proud member of the Longhorn Marching Band. However, World War II had begun, and as soon as he was old enough to do so, Mickey enlisted in the U.S. Navy V-12 officers training program at the University of Texas. The Navy subsequently transferred Mickey to Princeton University and then to Columbia University for further naval officer training. For a young man who had never previously traveled outside the State of Texas, getting to see and experience life in New Jersey and New York City was quite an adventure that Mickey thoroughly enjoyed. Upon completion of his officer training, Mickey began training as a Navy deep sea diver at Pier 16 in New York City.
Following V-J Day, when the war was finally over, Mickey was reassigned by the Navy to go to the Caribbean and to South American and captain Navy tanker ships operating in those waters back to harbor in New York City and New Orleans. As a young naval officer visiting New Orleans, he first experienced and quickly developed a love of delicious fresh Gulf seafood, fine French and Cajun cuisine, and New Orleans jazz music.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Mickey returned to the University of Texas to finish his college education, graduating from the U.T. Business School in 1949. During those years, Mickey became a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity were he made many close friendships, many of which he maintained throughout the remainder of his life. As a senior, he was elected Vice President of the U.T. student body, was honored as a U.T. Outstanding Student, and was very proud to have been selected to be a member of the Silver Spurs service organization which took great care of the iconic Longhorn mascot, Bevo.
Upon graduation from the University of Texas, Mickey moved to Beaumont, Texas and joined childhood friends from deep East Texas in starting an industrial supply company, which they named the Gulf Supply Company. After World War II was over, America needed a lot of new chemical plants and petroleum refineries ? and thankfully they all needed a lot of pipe and valves.
In 1952, while frequently visiting Augusta, Georgia to sell pipe and other industrial supplies for the construction of a huge new nuclear power plant just across the border in South Carolina, Mickey regularly attended the downtown Augusta Methodist Church and had the good fortune to meet a beautiful young Georgian named Doris Paul. A year later they were married and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to open a new office there for Gulf Supply, and to start a family. Amanda, Mike and Mark soon followed. In the years that followed, the family moved frequently as Gulf Supply expanded rapidly, and especially enjoyed living in New Orleans for several years, and getting back to Texas living in Beaumont and then Houston. While in Beaumont, the Elliott family attended Trinity United Methodist Church, and in Houston enjoyed being active members of Chappelwood United Methodist Church.
Through grit, determination and incredible tenacity and work ethic, over the next thirty years the team of East Texas childhood friends built Gulf Supply (subsequently renamed Gulf Consolidated Services) into the industry leader in the industrial supply business.
The shared sense of mission, common goals and teamwork that Mickey so enjoyed over the years with Gulf Supply and then Gulf Consolidated resulted in many new, deep, lifelong friendships which meant the world to him. He was always so proud of the fine company that he helped to start and to lead, but it was the fine people and the great friendships there that were always what mattered the most to him. Again, Mickey and his partners were blessed to sell Gulf Consolidated Services to the Meade Paper Company just prior to the oil market crash and subsequent harsh economic recession of the 1980's.
Following the sale of Gulf Consolidates Services, Mickey and Doris moved to Austin to a lovely high-rise condominium that overlooked the U.T. Tower and South Mall, a beautiful view that Mickey enjoyed daily throughout the remainder of his life.
However, his retirement years were not easy. For nine years Mickey was devoted to taking loving care of his wife Doris as she struggled mightily with lung cancer. Through it all though, Mickey remained relentlessly positive and grateful to God for all that he and Doris had been blessed with. And he definitely was not through yet. He read the Wall Street Journal front to back everyday, and was deeply interested in current events, especially in business and political happenings. He always so looked forward to his monthly luncheons at the Tarry House in Austin with a very distinguished group of fellow U.S. military veterans who were all such fine gentlemen and great Americans. They were not always able to solve all of the problems in our world that were discussed, but it sure was not from lack of interest, knowledge and love of our great country.
Mickey also always looked forward to sitting in the second row of the sanctuary (an Elliott family tradition going back to his Hemphill childhood) at Tarrytown Methodist Church on Sunday mornings, following Sunday School with his Faith Class. All of the members of the Faith Class were so thoughtful and caring, and Mickey was always honored to be a part of such a fine group of folks.
Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of almost 60 years Doris, and his three sisters, Wynell, Martha and Arnette whom he dearly loved. He leaves behind his daughter Amanda, son Mike, son Mark and his wonderful wife Donna, and their three daughters, Nicole, Cecily and Gabrielle that he loved so much.
With grateful hearts, the Elliott family wishes to thank "the Great Ladies" Rae Brown, Linda McKinley and Terasa Felix for their devoted, loving care of our Dad over many years ? and also Bob Mitchell, Dad's personal trainer and great friend over the years who did so much to keep Dad vertical and moving, and able to enjoy an active life almost up to the very end.
We also wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the great team at Hospice Austin who so kindly and compassionately helped our Dad in his final days.
The immediate family, and our dearest friend Virginia Duke (whom we have officially adopted as a family member of Clan Elliott), and our Pastors from Tarrytown United Methodist Church will gather for a private internment at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Honorary pallbearers, all of whom preceded Mickey in the journey to eternal life in Heaven, include his lifetime, dearest of friends Rudy Williams, Paul Beauchamp, Bill Aufricht, Bob Duke, Harmon Parrot and Seldon Graham.
Due to the COVID, a larger celebration of Mickey's life at Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin will have to wait until it is again safe for us all to gather again. When that time comes, hopefully soon, there will be much to celebrate, many traditional Methodist hymns to sing, and of course lots of great southern cooking from the Methodist ladies.
Though our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of our Dad, we are comforted in knowing that he is now reunited in Heaven with family and so many great friends, that he is now pain free and will enjoy a profoundly joyful eternal life in the greatest of all places. Ad we take great solace and comfort in the testimony of the Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:6-8):
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
We thank God for the gift of our Dad. And the great life that he was blessed to live.
Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, any remembrances or memorial contributions in honor of our Dad be directed to: Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759, or to the J.R. Huffman Public Library, 375 Sabine Street, Hemphill, Texas 75948 ? or any good cause of your choice that makes the world a better place.
Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home
Family/Spouse: Doris Paul. Doris was born on 9 Jul 1933 in Thomson, McDuffie County, Georgia; died on 4 Jul 2009 in Texas; was buried in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, Austin, Travis County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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33. | Arnette Bickley Elliott (12.Minnie3, 5.Horace2, 1.Martha1) was born on 27 May 1933 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 26 Dec 2019 in Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas. Notes:
Virgie Speights refers to her as "Mrs. Arnette Merritt of Dallas."
Obituary
Arnette Elliott Merritt, 86, of San Augustine, Texas (formerly of Hemphill) passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019 in CHI Memorial Hospital in Lufkin, Texas.
Arnette was born May 27, 1933 in Hemphill, Texas to Von Bergen Elliott and Minnie Bickley Elliott. She was a teacher for many years before retiring from San Augustine ISD. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hemphill.
She is survived by her son, Carl Merritt of Dallas, Texas and her daughter, Claire Gurley of Bangkok, Thailand.
Cremation arrangements are being handled by Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, Texas.
Downloaded from Starr Funeral Home
Also published in The Sabine County Reporter, January 1, 2020, Page 5
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