The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

J. W. Flannery, 79, of Bridge City, passed away Feb. 16, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Randall “Flipper” Doolittle of Outlaw Bible Church in Bridge City. Cremation will follow in care of Claybar Haven of Rest Crematory.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Humminoak, Ar., on May 3, 1935, he was the son of George Wesley Flannery and Reba Jewell Fagg Flannery.

J.W. worked in many fields from Citrus Orchards, farming, truck driver, pipe-fitter in construction, and shade tree mechanic.

He played in country and western band from the time he was 18 years old, he was self-taught and never learned to read a sheet music.

He continued to play right up until January 2015, when his illness would not allow him to hold his guitar.

He was blessed to have two wives in his life Shirley whom he was married to for 48 years and lost her to cancer; they had four wonderful children together - and his second wife Charlette, whom he lost to cancer after 7 years of marriage.

He was an excellent housekeeper and made the best buttermilk biscuits that would melt in your mouth.

He was full of jokes and a voice from heaven when he sang.

He loved his children and took pride in all of his family.

He is preceded in death by his son, Robert Flannery, first wife, Shirley Turf Flannery and his second wife, Charlette Flannery; grandchildren, Dwayne Prudholm, Carollyn (Miki) Kittrell, and Teresa Jefferson.

He is survived by his children, Michael Flannery and wife, Linda, Anthony (Tony) Flannery and wife, Robin and Terri Flannery Vidalier; grandchildren, Jay Robert Flannery, Jessica Flannery, Justin Tankersley, Joseph Guilbeaux, Shannon Gilmore, Glenn Boyd, Richard Callahan, Michael Callahan, Billy (Bo) Deal, Marcia Stuteville, Alonda Callahan, Donald Flannery, Lydia Flannery Sonnier and Angelika Simon; 28 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; brother, Eugene (Gene) Flannery and his sister, Betty Blankenship.

Serving as pallbearers will be Donald Flannery, Billy Bo Deal, Justin Tankersley, Joseph Guilbeaux, R.J. Hampton, and Ronnie Sonier. Honarary Pallbeares are Michael Flannery and Tony Flannery.

Mr. Flannery’s family would like to send a special thank you to Angela Deal and his caregivers at Altus.