James Byron Rives

James Byron “Blackie” Rives- age 87 of Hardin passed away at his home September 8, 2018 with his beloved family by his side. Blackie was born in Hardin, Texas September 6, 1931 the son of the late Wallace Oliver Rives and Ella Pet Cessna Rives. A hard worker, he enjoyed mowing, gardening, working on small engines, and was known for his stainless steel spurs he would make. He worked for seventeen years for Exxon Mobil as a Supervisor in the Sub Store Station, prior to Exxon he worked for twenty-one years for Ashland Oil. He was a Korean War Veteran who served in the US Army attaining the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the 323^rd Engineer L. E. Co. from 1954-1956. He wed his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Nell Dunman at the Hardin United Methodist Church May 11, 1951, spending sixty-seven years together. Blackie was very active for over twenty years in the daily operations of Hardin Senior Center, his dedication to the center earned him acknowledgement as Hardin Citizen of the Year. In addition he was an active member of the Hardin Methodist Church, VFW Post #5621, and the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers Allen Rives and Bennie Rives, sisters Florence Rives Kaufman, Ruby Lee Rives Price, and Janelle Rives Hunt. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife Barbara “Bobbie” Nell Rives of Hardin, his daughters Kathy Rives Hooper of Belmont, North Carolina, Kay Rives of Hardin, sister Annie Jo Davis of Liberty, and his three grandchildren Chase W. Wilson, Jake James Hooper, and Zachary Hilton Hooper. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for Blackie will be held Friday September 14, 2018 from 5-8PM at the Hardin United Methodist Church 1005 FM 834 West Hardin, Texas. Funeral services to be held 2PM Saturday September 15, 2018 at the Church with burial to follow in Hardin Chapel Cemetery. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.allisonfuneralservice.com

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