Funeral services for James Carroll Straley, 83, of Welch, Texas were held Dec. 13, 2023 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Welch, with Ben Phipps officiating.
Visitation was held Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home in Lamesa.
Carroll died Dec. 9, 2023 in Welch at his residence.
He was born Nov. 11, 1940 in Lampasas to Albert James and Annie Maye (Beavers) Straley.
He married Wanda Lou Wilson on Feb. 27, 1965 in Welch at First Baptist Church. They had been married for 58 years.
Carroll farmed from 1968 to 1991 before handing the reins over to his sons. He then went to work for Dawson County, Precinct 3 from 1991 to 1997, at which time he started driving a transport truck for Helena Chemicals until 2007 when he decided to retire. Retirement never slowed him down.
He loved to sit and watch the hummingbirds outside his window and watch sports. He loved his Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. He would watch all sporting games over and over again, not caring when they first aired. He also loved being outside with his chickens and crafting woodwork.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Martinez; brothers Edmond Straley, Ray Straley and Albert Harroll Straley; and sister, Wynell Creek.
Carroll is survived by his wife, Wanda Straley of Welch; children Albert Straley (Becky) of Welch, Debra Clay of Arlington, and Donald Straley (Lorie) of Henderson; grandchildren Lori Miller, Rebecca Straley, Doug Straley, Tyler Straley, Emma Straley, Zack Straley, Matt Straley, Simone Scales and Angie Straley; four great-grandchildren; sisters Betty Borg, Sue Hehman (Harvey) and Nancy Campbell (Keith); and brothers Jackie Straley (Ann), Larry Straley, Gery Straley (Marcia) and Roy Straley.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
