John Hugh Bales

John Hugh Bales, age 89, of Jonesboro passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Funeral services will be at 2:00PM, Friday, March 29, 2013 at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Henry Weaver and Rev. Matt Dossey officiating. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00PM, Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the funeral home. John was born March 5, 1924 in the Ewing community to William Edgar and Sallie Ann Veazey Bales. The Bales family moved to the Schley community just before his father died in 1932 and lived there until forced to move when Camp Hood was formed in 1942, moving to the White Hall community. John quit school after the 6th grade to help support his mother and 5 older sisters. John met the love of his life Geneva Pauline (Polly) Alford while attending the Schley school. They were married in the Bales home March 8, 1943, by Bro. Will Jackson. In 1945, the Bales family moved to the Jonesboro community where they remained. John and Polly became strong Jonesboro Eagle fans and missed very few ballgames until John's health kept them from attending. He loved basketball and loved to talk ball with anyone who would listen. John was known in the community as a good honest farmer and manager of the land with Polly always at his side helping. He and Polly were fortunate to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary even with his health deteriorating. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were with them for the special occasion. John was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Lillie Mae (Babe) Bales, Ruby Bales, Irene Bone, Corine Beaty, Oshie Lee Bales; and grandson, Todd Gunter. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 70 years, Polly; daughter, Ann Gunter and husband, John of Rogers; son, Don Bales and wife, Marcia of Jonesboro; grandson, Calvin Gunter and wife, Jennifer of Bastrop; granddaughters, Carrie Brizendine and husband, Wayne of Gatesville and Mandi Wilson and husband, Danny of Jonesboro; seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Tyler, and Abby Wilson, Carson and Mason Brizendine, and Isabella and Wilhelmina Gunter; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Calvin Gunter, Wayne Brizendine, Danny Wilson, Carl Bone (nephew), Bruce Beaty (nephew), Edgar Beaty (nephew), David Bone (nephew), and Mike Beaty (nephew). The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sunset Hospice, The Meadows Nursing Home and to the helpful loving friends in the Jonesboro community. Memorials may be made to Jonesboro Athletic Fund, Jonesboro I.S.D., 14909 E. Hwy. 36, Jonesboro, TX 76538