Bus Driver
Sidney Beal Jr., 77
Died December 23, 2020.
Dallas County Schools, Dallas, TX
Bus Driver
SIDNEY BEAL JR. was born on May 2, 1943, in Plaquemine, Louisiana to Lillie Mae Fobbs and Sidney Beal Sr.
He attended school in Iberville Parish in Louisiana during his formative years. During his high school years his mother remarried, and they lived in Kansas. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1969.
After relocating to Dallas, Sidney became a top performing salesman at Miracle Ford, Bankston Ford, Crest Cadillac, and Powell Chevrolet dealerships. He also enjoyed career stints with the Dallas Housing Authority, U.S. Postal Service and Metropolitan Insurance. In August of 1975, Sidney received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Bishop College.
In 1978, he met Carolyn Davis while attending a church service at Concord Baptist Church when it was located at 3410 S Polk. They became friends and joined Concord. In 1979, they decided to date and were married May 2, 1980.
Sidney accepted his call to ministry in August of 1980 during the revival “Joy Explosion”. Thus, his journey of ministry began. He became a staff member of Concord in 1984 under the pastorage of the late Dr. EK Bailey where he served the Pastoral Care and Counseling Ministry from 1984-1997. He received his license to preach the Gospel in February 1986 and was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in September 1987. Sidney enrolled in Dallas Baptist University and received his Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling in December 1991. He served as a Concord Elder 1997-2002. Additionally, Sidney served in the Drama, Hospitality, Premarital Counseling, and Couples Small Groups Ministries at Concord.
In 1998, Sidney followed God’s call to start Sidney Beal Ministries DBA Vision of Hope serving the communities of Rhoads Terrace and Turner Courts in South Dallas. He served there until 2010.
Sidney served on the staff of Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church as the Pastor of Visitation under the pastorage of Rev, Clay Allard from 2010-2013, and the Spiritual Director of the Oak Cliff Great Banquet from 2009-2017.
Upon his retirement from full time ministry, Sidney became a School Bus Driver for Dallas County Schools. At the time of his death, he was a part time School Bus Driver for First Student Cedar Hill.
Sidney’s parents and sister, Edna Beal Price, and brother in law, Wilbert Davis Jr preceded him in death.
Those left to cherish his love and legacy, his devoted wife, Carolyn of 40 years, daughter, Makebia Ann Beal, (Antioch, CA), son, Sidney Beal III (Kew Gardens, NY), daughter, Cheria Clinise Beal, (Cedar Hill, TX), son, Brandon Rashad (Ronna), Beal (Midlothian, TX), son, Joseph Doran Beal, (Garland, TX) and daughter, Taniqua Briana Beal (Dallas ,TX), sister, Deborah (Phillip), Watkins (Baton Rouge, LA), brother Kenneth Beal, (Baton Rouge, LA), one brother in law, Tommy (Linda) Davis (Dallas, TX), one sister in law, Annie Smith, (Shreveport, LA), two sisters in laws, Ella Peterson and Brenda Davis, (DeSoto, TX), twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, special cousins, nieces, nephews, god children, loving friends and special faith children from premarital and
Charles Ragland, 74
Died January 13, 2021.
Bedford County Public Schools, Bedford, VA
Bus Driver
Charles Douglas Ragland, Sr., 74, of Bedford passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born in Nelson County on July 8, 1946. A son of the late Otha Morris Ragland and Daisy Beatrice Ragland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Ragland; sister Minnie Ragland; sister-in-law, Carla Ragland.
Charles was a Blessed man. A husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many. He loved going to yard sales and finding treasures to repurpose or work on. His love for clocks new and old was very evident. He also loved spending time with family, friends and loved children, especially giving them lollipops when seeing them. He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, JoAnn C. Ragland; son, Charles Douglas Ragland, Jr. and wife, Debbie; daughters, Anna Marie Jennings and husband, James, Charlotte “Bea” Millner and husband, Mike and Stacy Nicole Pound and husband, Matt; step-daughter, Joyce Katherine Martinez and husband, Marcello; step-son, Anthony Wayne Chaconas; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Prentice Ragland and wife, Nancy, Otha Ragland and wife, Leanna and Earl Ragland; sisters, Nancy Grant and husband D.C., Helen Bryant, Betty Parrish, Fleta Staton, Carol Staton, and Barbara Sowell and husband, Gary. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Charles’s memory please consider The Alzheimer’s association of Lynchburg.
A celebration of Charles’s life and Graveside service will be conducted at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Peaks Church and Community Cemetery with his brother Pastor Earl Ragland Larry Myers officiating. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.
Alicia Ugartechea, 67
Died January 1, 2021.
Fountain Lake School District, Hot Springs, AR
Bus Driver
Alicia Ugartechea, 67, of Hot Springs, Arkansas gained her wings on Friday, January 1, 2021. She was born July 18, 1953 in Mexico to the late Jose & Maria (Castillo) Moreno. She lived in the Fountain Lake community for over 40 years where she raised 4 children. She was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, and loving grandmother. She was employed by Fountain Lake School for 20 years and for 30 years ran her own sewing and alterations business from home.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured and embraced every moment she could with them. She loved her role as her grandchildren’s “Mimi” and she enjoyed spending all of her time with them. She had a heart of gold and always had a beautiful smile on her face. She loved traveling, shopping, sewing, cruising, cooking and hosting family dinners every Sunday. She was extremely talented when it came to her passion for sewing. She was so talented in her craft, that she could create anything by just looking at a picture. She was very well known in Hot Springs and surrounding areas for her incredible sewing abilities. She was a very family-oriented woman and she made sure to teach her children the importance of loving and respecting one another. She never left home without looking her best. She loved getting dolled up to go shopping every weekend. She was a strong, kind, caring, hard-working, genuine soul and she welcomed everyone with open arms. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Sabas Ugartechea Jr.; children, Claudia Kloosterman (Chris), Cindy Ugartechea-Herring (Jade), Sabas Ugartechea III (Bethany), and Sandra Ugartechea-Vaughn (Jason); her siblings, Emilio Moreno, Virginia Moreno, Silvia Moreno, Luis Moreno and Jose Moreno; and grandchildren Caleb Herring, Alycia Herring, Cruze Ugartechea, Carsyn Ugartechea and Jace Vaughn. Given the current pandemic conditions, the family will hold a celebration of life in Alicia’s honor in the Summer of 2021. Cards and flowers can be sent to the family at 541 Quarry Mtn Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71901. The family is also accepting restaurant gift cards to be donated to the 4 West Covid unit nurses and/or the Covid ICU nurses at CHI St. Vincent.
Wayne Emery McGhee, 77
Died November 17, 2020.
Crow Creek Tribal School, Stephan, SD
Bus Driver, Grounds Keeper
Wayne Emery McGhee, AKA “Flookie”, was born December 20, 1942 in Crow Creek, SD to Hilda McGhee. Wayne graduated from Pukwana High School in 1962. “GO WILDCATS!”
He lived most of his adult life in Fort Thompson, SD with the love of his life Denise Archambeau. He was a man of many trades, a heart of gold, and a sense of humor that will be forever remembered.
In 1991, he found his true calling as a bus driver/grounds keeper at Crow Creek Tribal School in Stephan, SD for the past 29 years. He enjoyed going to Demo’s, working on cars, and making sure his lawn looked like a golf course.
He loved his family and his grandkids held a special place in his heart. As well as most of Fort Thompson Community and all the staff at CCHS.
Wayne entered the Spirit World on November 17, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 77 years due to complications of COVID-19. Flookie is survived by his wife Denise C. Archambeau, his nine sons Kelly McGhee Kirby McGhee, Kevin McGhee, Jeffery McGhee Sr., Jason McGhee, Gregory “Bim” Seeking Land Sr., Daniel Archambeau, Kyle McGhee Sr., Nathan Shangreaux; two daughters Nancy McGhee and LaDonna Shangreaux; a tribe of grandkids and great grandkids, his sister Rosemary Ducheneaux, and two brothers Bernie Longcrow and Alvin Longcrow.
Preceding him in death were his mother Hilda Longcrow, his brothers Robert “Bumpy” McGhee, Chauncey Longcrow, and his grandparents Frank and Mercy McGhee.
He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Philip Brownrigg, 49
Died December 15, 2020.
Carthage R-9 School District, Carthage, MO
Bus Driver
Philip “Mitch” Brownrigg of Carthage, MO passed away on Tuesday December 15th, 2020 at OSU medical in Tulsa, OK after a short illness. He was born in Brooklyn, NY to Philip and Peggy Brownrigg. He is survived by his wife Tiffany and two sons, Taylor and girlfriend Jazmin , Blake and girlfriend Miriam , along with one grandson of which he adored Ashton, all of Carthage, MO . A sister Katie Taratus and husband Luke of Maryland along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mitch loved his family, and spending time with them put the biggest smile on his face.
The family will have a celebration of his wonderful life at a later time.
David Tummons, 75
Died September 29, 2020.
Ash Grove R-IV School District, Ash Grove, MO
Bus Driver
David Arnold Tummons (1945-2020), of Bois D’Arc, Missouri, left this world for his eternal home on September 29, 2020 after a week-long battle with COVID.
David was boisterous. He had a zest for life, which he shared with all who knew him. He had hundreds of friends and never met a stranger. He found great joy in telling jokes, singing, and visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee. David appreciated the small things in life, and he would get excited about even the smallest of victories. He only had one speed: full throttle. He ran 100% and 100MPH in everything he did. David approached life with unbridled optimism about the future; he lived deeply.
David dedicated his life to teaching youth. David was a science teacher, coach, pep club sponsor, and bus driver for 52 years, working in Mountain Grove (1968-1969), Miller (1969-1971), and Ash Grove (1971-2020) Schools. David invested his life in teaching kids. He valued hard work, honesty, and respect, and he held his students to a very high standard. He served as a project leader for Bois D’Arc Braves 4-H, Sunday School leader at Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church, and spent many nights and weekends driving the pep bus, chaperoning band trips and FFA events, and teaching driver’s ed/bus driving to everyone who asked. David hired youth each summer to help him with his custom hay operation, and his favorite part was teaching them how to operate and maintain equipment.
David was an avid agriculturalist. David grew up milking and showing Registered Shorthorn cattle at their farm in Willard. David milked cows while attending Willard High School (1963) and Southwest Missouri State University (BS Agriculture, 1967), then began working at the USDA Poultry Station Manager in Mountain Grove, Missouri. In 1970, David and Kay Ann moved to her grandparent’s century farm in Bois D’Arc, Missouri, where they raised hay, cattle, and kids. David was a tractor collector and loved his John Deere equipment. He took great pleasure in bringing bottle calves to elementary ag days, watching grandkids Sam and Sadie Tummons show their animals at the fair, and hosting hay rides on their farm. David was a charter member of the Ash Grove Young/Adult Farmers, the Ash Grove FFA Booster Club, and was a member of the Republic Steam Engine Association.
David was a man of action. David had a strong sense of right and wrong and acted quickly to help those in need. David was often the first to volunteer help neighbors and the community; no challenge was too great. In particular, David sought out youth who struggled in traditional school or who needed some extra help in life. He saw it as his duty to serve as mentor, life coach, and even second parent.
David was married for 53 years to Kay Ann (Buckler) Tummons, his high school sweetheart. Kay Ann and David enjoyed trips with family to Colorado and to the Gulf of Mexico. David is survived by Kay Ann and their two sons, Joe Bill Tummons of Bois D’Arc, and Dr. John David Tummons, wife Elizabeth, and grandkids Samuel and Sadie Tummons of Columbia. He is also survived by brother Richard Tummons of Columbia, sisters Kathy Wrinkle and Gale Jones of Springfield, and mother Martha Wommack Tummons of Willard.
David showed us how to savor each day, teach the next generation, find dignity in hard work, and take action on what is important. Acts 13:36
Visitation will be from 4:30PM-7:00PM, Friday, October 16, 2020 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. MO. Graveside services will be 10:00AM, Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Yeakley Chapel Cemetery, Springfield, MO. Masks and social distancing are appreciated.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to The David Tummons Dignity of Labor Legacy Scholarship. Checks payable to “Ash Grove FFA Chapter” with “Tummons” in the memo line. Donations may be left or mailed to the funeral home, PO BOX 217, Ash Grove, MO 65604.
Dale Wiersum, 69
Died December 6, 2020.
Cheboygan Area Schools, Cheboygan, MI
Bus Driver
Karen Wiersum recently lost her husband Dale due to COVID-19 complications.
They met each other 29 years ago and the two soon fell in love. “I had a wonderful husband,” she said. “He loved everybody and he had so many friends in Cheboygan. He was so good to me, took care of me and everything. When I’d go to bed at night, he’d always tuck me in. Every night.”
Dale Wiersum started working for Cheboygan Schools as a bus driver seven years ago.
Karen was in for a surprise on Tuesday when 23 Cheboygan school buses started passing by her house, honking and waiving.
hey also presented her with a folded Navy flag to honor Dale, a Navy veteran.
Once Karen saw all of the buses heading her way, she became emotional. “I’m shocked. It was wonderful to have all those buses come through. That was really nice,” she said.
Karen said her husband was always someone who could improve anyone’s day. “Music would come on the TV and we’d be in the kitchen and he’d get me up and dance with me in the kitchen. We both loved dancing,” she said.
Student Transportation Director with Cheboygan Schools, Tammy Cage says Dale was just a joy to work with. “All of the drivers go along with him wonderfully,” she said. He has a lot of friends and, well family, our bus garage family.”
One of Dale’s coworkers, Demi Posh said he was more than just someone she worked with. “He was a friend first,” she said. “Always giving, thoughtful, generous, sincere. There’s not enough words to describe what kind of man Dale was. Everybody went before him. Always.”
His friends and family said his only flaw was that he didn’t enjoy condiments on his meals, and that’s all.
Gail Brusseau, 66
Died October 9, 2020.
Clay County School District, Green Cove Springs, FL
Bus Driver
Gail Ellen Brusseau, 66, passed away on October 9, 2020. She was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and resided in Middleburg, FL. She was a School Bus Driver with Clay County Transportation. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Gail is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, William Brusseau; mother, Mary P Jenkins; children: William Brusseau Jr., Greg Brusseau, Christopher Brusseau, Cynthia Brown; brothers: Guy Guidry and Jay Jenkins; sister: Gloria Barilleaux; grandchildren: Isabella Brusseau, Sara Brown, Ashley Brown, Jonathan Brown, Tehya Brusseau, Allen Brusseau, Gregory Brusseau, Dakota Brusseau and Laela Brusseau; great grandchildren: Elizabeth Brown and Nevaeh Brown; and a host of extended family and friends.
Tommy Lund, 66
Died November 22, 2020.
Lake Pend Oreille School District, Ponderay, ID
Bus Driver
Tommy Lund, 66, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020 in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Private family services have been held.
Tommy was born on March 24, 1954 Boras, Sweden to Gosta Ella Lund. He worked as a truck driver in Europe.
Tommy moved to Sandpoint in 2005 and married Lena Bronstorp on January 11, 2006. He worked some in North Dakota in the oil fields and drove school bus here on the Schweitzer route.
He enjoyed riding Harley’s, attended Sturgis, and touring his friends from Sweden.
He is survived by his wife Lena Lund of Sandpoint; four children Louise Paulsson, Emma Lund, and Funny Lund all from Sweden and Marie Lund from Spain; step daughter Emily York of Sandpoint; nine grandchildren; and one brother Bertil Lund of Sweden.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fallen Riders Fund www.fallenridersfundidaho.com
Terry Lee Thacker, 68
Died August 28, 2020.
Russellville School District, Russellville, AR
Bus driver
Reverend Terry Lee Thacker gained his heavenly wings on August 28, 2020 at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville, Arkansas. He was born January 15, 1952 in Dunklin County, Missouri to the late Vernon Thacker and Hazel Darter Moore Thacker. Terry spent the last eight years as a special needs bus driver for the Russellville School District. Before that he was the owner of Thacker Trucking in Russellville, Arkansas from 1980 – 2009. Terry won many dirt track championships in multiple classes throughout his racing endeavor as a driver and car owner and passed on his vast knowledge and passion for dirt track racing to everyone he could including his son and grandson. You could find terry most Saturday nights announcing an adding colorful commentary at the local go cart track as well as having special activities for the children of the community. He also loved fishing, hunting and camping. Rev. Thacker enjoyed preaching God’s word as much as he did any other activity. Rev. Thacker was never bashful about his love for the Lord, and was never without a kind word, hug, or prayer for anyone who might need it. Terry was founder and operating President of Angel Wings Ministries and former pastor of Pine Hill Community Church in Gum Log, Pleasant Grove Full Gospel Church Dover, Jerusalem Full Gospel Church as well as Scottsville First Assembly. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Teresa Thacker; beloved stepfather, James Moore; maternal grandparents, Everett and Dellie Darter and paternal grandparents, Frank Thacker and Mabel Wright.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Annie Louise Thacker of Russellville, Arkansas; one son and daughter, Johnny and Jennifer Thacker of Center Valley, Arkansas; one grandson, Johnny Wilson Thacker II of Center Valley, Arkansas; a granddaughter Caitlin and husband Jonathan Teeter of Vilonia, Arkansas; soon to be great grandson, Bentley Teeter of Vilonia; three brothers, Gary Thacker of Dover, Arkansas, Jerry and Wilma Thacker of Appleton, Arkansas, Larry Don Thacker of Dover, Arkansas; sister, Veronica Thacker of Appleton, Arkansas; numerous step siblings, nieces, nephews and friends and a host of adopted grandchildren, Chelsea Grider, Logan Grider, Annalisa and Harley Goins and his beloved dog Gabby.
His infectious smile and comical personality made him a pure joy to be around and he will be greatly missed.