James C. Briley

James left us on September 25, 2013 to be with his Lord and his beloved wife Joyce. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with pastor Lonnie Dotson of the Shady Grove Methodist Church of Woodbine officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the funeral home.

James was born on July 12, 1927 to James Clifford Briley, Sr. and Dora Lee Hindman in Savannah, Tennessee, where he spent his younger years before the family moved to Gordonville, Texas. He married Joyce Marie Smith on April 28, 1957 and moved to Gainesville where he lived the rest of his life.

James worked several years in the oilfield, traveling across the western United States and later for the City of Gainesville. He was a painter by trade and raised award winning bantam chickens for many years. He maintained one of the best gardens in town and his yard earned Yard of the Week numerous times. He loved the outdoors and spent many late evenings and early mornings waiting on the right buck. But the other love of his life was Fishin'.

Survivors include his son, Chad Briley and fiancée Jacqueline Green and daughter Victioria of Gainesville, one sister Lucille Flowers of Gordonville,
In-Laws Dortha and Lloyd Leach of Gainesville, David and Virginia Smith of Fort Worth, Ted and Martha Smith of Garland, Roy and Tammy Gray of Woodbine, several Nieces and Nephews and lots of Cousins.

He was preceded by his wife Joyce, sister Mae, brothers Fred and Floyd, his sisters-in-law Geraldine Smith, Neita Hall, and Carolyn Smith and brothers-in-law Johnny Bolden and Billy Smith.

Visitation will be at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Pallbearers will be Micheal Hunt, Chris McAfee, Jesse James, John Faubion, Nick Kamieniecki, Keith Grimes, Marion Maddox and Terry Ward.

James was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a large presence in all our lives; “POP” will be greatly missed.