William Vincent Gromowsky, Jr., 66, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
William, Jr., known as 'Wid' to close friends and affectionately called 'Widdy' by his family, was born in Clovis, New Mexico on January 12, 1955, to William and Kathryn Gromowsky.
He graduated from Bovina High School in 1973 and spent his youth and early adult years working on the family farm near Hub, where he undoubtedly learned that 'a job worth doing is worth doing right,' which he reminded those who knew him - often by repeating the adage - but always by showing it through his example.
After graduating from West Texas State University in 1986, William lived in Hereford, and later in Canyon. William took delight in preparing breakfast for his three young daughters, something he continued to enjoy every chance he got even after they were adults. A conversation with him quickly turned to an update on each of them, proudly presented and relayed with joy.
He began working for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance in 1988 and remained employed as District Claims Manager for the Amarillo district at the time of his death. William cherished his many friends and co-workers made throughout his 33-year career, and they became members of his extended family.
In 2003, he transferred to Abilene, where he met Christy. They were married in 2004, and William was proud to add her two sons to his family tree. That same year, William was transferred back to Amarillo. He and Christy were active members of Central Church of Christ where they served as small group hosts, and William earned the nickname "Sunshine" as a one-man handshake committee to everyone who crossed his path. William was supportive in his work with the non-profit organization, Amarillo Recovery from Alcohol and Drugs, and he and Christy hosted that organization's monthly alumnus dinner for several years.
William found great pleasure in yard work, playing cards, and sharing his gift of hospitality. He freely gave of his time and resources to help friends, family, neighbors, and strangers alike.
He is preceded in death by his son Sterling Jones; and - as he often referred to her - his 'awesome mother,' Kathryn.
He is survived by his wife, Christy; his daughters Sara Nickson and husband Scott of Amarillo, Brette Draper and husband Cody of Amarillo, and Maj Abby Gromowsky (USAF) of Honolulu, Hawaii; his son Taylor Jones and wife Kasey of Amarillo; his father, William, Sr., of Friona; and his sisters, Jan Smith and husband Steve of Sudan, and Jyl Grimsley and husband Jayson of Friona. He adored his grandchildren, Sydney, Olivia, Jack, Ryan, and Cooper, and will be fondly remembered by his aunts & uncles and scores of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Central Church of Christ Missions Fund, 1401 South Madison, Amarillo, Texas 79101.
Eddie LaNelle Morrison Mays, 83, longtime Friona resident passed away October 13, 2021 in Lubbock. Family visitation was held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church in Friona with a Celebration of Life Service conducted at 11:00 AM with Rev. Gary Johnson, officiating. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Eddie was born in Hereford, Deaf Smith County, Texas, to Edwin "Bud" Morrison and Arena "Rene" Avo Frost Morrison on May 23, 1938. Eddie passed away in Lubbock, Texas on October 13, 2021.
Her family farmed in Deaf Smith County. Eddie attended 1st grade in NM, then transferred to Hereford, and graduated from Hereford High School in May of 1956. After graduation, she worked at Consumers Co-Op in Hereford, where she met Walter Harrell Mays. They were married Sept. 6, 1956. Together, they had four children, Hope Mays Winter Ferguson (Jerry), Walter Harrell "Sonny" Mays, Jr., Faith Mays Self (Gary), and Charity Mays Hodges (Randy).
Eddie was preceded in death by, her parents, her brother, Edwin Morrison, Jr. and her husband, Harrell - the love of her life.
Harrell and Eddie farmed in Parmer and Deaf Smith counties for more than 50 years. Eddie was also an Accountant at Steve Messenger's Tax Service and a Texas Municipal Court Judge for the City of Friona.
Eddie enjoyed teaching her Faith Sunday School class at Calvary Baptist Church where she had been a member for over 50 years. She also loved going to movies and eating out with her friends.
Eddie's grandchildren include: Jim & Amber Self, Michelle & Bernie Harris, Jared & Teri Self, LaFawnda & Anthony Kubacak, Crystal & Tristan Thoma, Kevin & Heidi Hodges, Kent & Suzy Winter, Glynn & Connie Ferguson, Brad & Amelia Ferguson.
Great-Grandchildren include: Lane & LynLee Self, James, Josiah, & Rachel Harris, Wyatt & Whitley Self, Brennon & Gage Kubacak, Tucker & Claire Thoma, Kendal, Keely, and Kirsten Hodges, Daniel & Hillary Winter, Beth Winter, Christy & Doug Hathcock, Andrew, Victoria, and Olivia Ferguson, Hannah and David Ferguson.
Great-great Grandchild: Rylee Beth Winter
Pallbearers: Jim Self, Bernie Harris, Jared Self, Anthony Kubacak, Tristan Thoma, and Kevin Hodges.
Eddie & Harrell both loved the Lord, and they raised their children to love Jesus and family. They faithfully took them to Sunday School, church, Vacation Bible School, revivals, and family reunions.
Eddie balanced the challenges of preparing three meals a day for her family, reading Bible stories to her kids & helping them with schoolwork, and helping her husband with the farming.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com
Elizabeth Ann Cocanougher Gore, 85, of Texarkana, Texas formerly of Friona passed away October 14, 2021. Celebration of Life Services were held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Friona United Methodist Church with Rev. Skip Hodges, officiating. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Elizabeth was born in Hereford on June 29, 1936 to H.R. 'Cap' and Lucy Fay Cocanougher. She attended schools at Arney and Canyon and graduated from Friona High School in 1954. On June 11, 1955 she married Lewis Gore in Friona Methodist Church. Elizabeth taught English and ESL at Friona Junior High for 22 years, retiring in 1992. Following retirement, she enjoyed years of travel, gardening, and quilting.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Shirley Gore, and a brother-in-law Bob Gore.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 66 years, Lewis, daughter Carolyn and husband Rick, son Larry and wife Georganna, son Bryan, and daughter Sonya; and her grandchildren, Mary, Jenni, Jacob, and Lewis Morton; and great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Branson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jeane Gore and brother -in-law Jimmie Gore and a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials to Friona United Methodist Church or Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice of Friona.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com