Wednesday, May 7, 2014 8:55 am

Jacksonville Daily Progress

Harold Lloyd Josey will be laid to rest May 10, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Jarrett Cemetery, Cherokee County, Texas. Mr. Josey is survived by his children Sherron, Thomas, Wayne and wife Darlene all of Jacksonville, Texas, Paula Agers of Liberty City, as well as 4 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and his sister Nelwyn Barnette. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally Pauline Josey, son-in-law Dennis Agers, and grandson Joey Aaron Landry.

Harold was born near Craft-Turney on July 19, 1927, the only son of Hiram Thomas and Cora Vera Watson, and would-be older brother to Nelwyn Josey. He grew up in the Craft-Turney area during his formative years and attended school in Craft, Dialville, and Turney. In 1937 his family relocated to Kilgore, Texas to pursue work in construction as well as the booming oil fields. Harold took an early graduation from Kilgore High School at 17 and served his country as a member of the United States Navy from May 1945 to March 1946. He was honorably discharged shortly after the Allied victory in World War II and married the love of his life, Sally Pauline Francis, on June 12, 1947. After the Navy, Harold attended Kilgore College but would eventually move to California and have the first of 4 children. He took work in agriculture before operating his own Texaco station and being employed as a surveyor. This latter work led to his employment at the California Division of Highways from 1955 to 1966. Harold worked at the Indio, Escondido, and Oceanside offices, as well as managing the Palm Springs Office/

Maintenance Yard, and was subsequently the supervisor at Amboy Maintenance station on Historic Route 66. In 1967 Harold returned to his Texas roots, eventually going to work for Warren Petroleum. He began Josey Remodeling on his return and in 1975 became the owner/operator of the Josey Construction Company, building new homes and working in oil field-related construction while welcoming the first of his grandchildren. After shutting down his business Harold performed construction inspection for Golden Field Services until his retirement in 1997.

Harold was a man of hard work and family whose hobbies included working in his yard and garden, wood carving, and playing guitar. He enjoyed being in the outdoors and fondly reminisced about growing up with his cousins and the days his crews spent in the mountains above Palm Springs removing sand off Interstate 10 with a plow blade, while at the same time removing snow off Hwy 74. He will be remembered for his kind laugh, great singing voice, and an unwaveringly affable nature. He was dearly loved and will be forever missed and fondly remembered.

A memorial fund in Harold’s name has been established at the Fisher House charity supporting active military and veterans. The family asks that you please make a donation in lieu of flowers.