James Lee "Pappy" Bales

Services for Mr. James Lee Bales, 83, of White Oak will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Phil Hodson officiating. Burial will be at the New White Oak Cemetery following Masonic Rites. Mr. Bales passed away, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer"s, on Sunday, January 3, 2015 in Longview. Mr. Bales was born February 1, 1932 in Honey Grove, Texas to the late John C. and Mary Allene Bales. James served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 59th Signal Company; receiving the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Bales was a hard worker and did not retire until he was well into his 70"s. He worked as an independent Brick Mason and Builder working with his son; building numerous homes and many other buildings in White Oak and Littlefield. James enjoyed restoring antique cars especially Model A"s and Model T"s. He also enjoyed woodworking and playing the harmonica. James loved his family first and foremost and spending time with them and friends visiting at his barn the Hook N Bull. He will truly be remembered forever. He is survived by his; daughter and son-in-law Ande Bales Turner and husband Jr.; two sons and daughters-in-law Allen Bales and wife Debra and Doug Bales and wife Clara; three sisters Dorothy Bales, Patsy Yesel and Betty Holcomb; six grandchildren Jeremy Bales, Julie Bales, Holli Jones, Wendy Stewart, Barbara Sipes and Eric Baxter; ten great grandchildren; his faithful companion Toby Dog as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends. Like a great love story James has been forever reunited with his wife of 62 years Gwen who passed away December 22, 2015 just 13 days before James. The family would like to thank all of the staff of Hearts Way Hospice as well as his personal caregivers Toby, Jennifer, Rita and Vickey for their loving and supportive care. Memorials can be made to Heartsway Hospice, P.O. Box 5608, Longview, TX 75608 or to the Alzheimer"s Association, Greater Dallas Chapter, 3001 Knox St., Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75205. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater.