By T. Scott Boatright

It’s no secret one of the biggest parts of Greg “Big Coach” Williams is his heart.

He proved that during his years of service as an assistant coach to Jimmy “Chick” Childress at Ruston High School. He proved it during his years of service as head coach at the old Grambling Lab High School.

And since 2024, he’s proved it as vice president of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, representing District 1 on the LPPJ.

During a meet-and-greet informational session held Monday inside the Eddie Robinson Museum on the Grambling State University campus, Williams joined Parish Administrator Courtney Hall and LPPJ President Glen Scriber, along with a handful of other jury members and staff, to talk with Grambling State University President Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., other GSU officials and members of the community.

And after explaining what the Police Jury does and hopes to do in the future for the city of Grambling and Grambling State University, Williams wrapped up the meeting by letting those in attendance know about something he went through earlier this year.

Something concerning that heart “Big Coach” is so known for.

“Back in March I went to the doctor,” Williams said. “My regular doctor wasn’t there, so it was the (Lincoln Parish) coroner, Dr. (J. Michael) Belue, who had to tell me that I had a murmur in my heart. I told him that I knew I had A-fib (atrial fibrillation), but I didn’t know I had a murmur. And he told me, ‘Well, you’ve got one.’

“So, I went to Shreveport, and they decided that I needed open-heart surgery. My cardiologist sent my paperwork to Shreveport, and they decided that they needed to do the open-heart surgery.”

But after starting the open-heart operation, the surgical team found themselves fighting to keep Williams alive.

“For eight minutes I died,” Williams said. “I was gone for eight minutes. They said after 11 minutes, you start to go brain-dead because of lack of oxygen going to my brain. But they were able to bring me back and get me through the surgery.”

Williams learned of a fellow patient who had open-heart surgery right after he did at the same hospital.

“His surgery went perfectly,” Williams said. “But after they moved him to a room, he died the next day. I died on the operating table, and they brought me back to a room. He did fine on the operating table but then died after they brought him back to a room.

“After all that happened, about two or three weeks later, I talked to my wife and asked her what she thought about all of that. She said she wasn’t worried. I asked why. And she said that I do too much. The Bible says you can live until you’re satisfied. I guess being of service to others, I’m not satisfied. My wife (Eva) said she wasn’t worried because she knew I wanted to keep on making things happen.”

Williams admits it’s his drive to serve others that probably was the reason he survived his medical ordeal.

“It’s a service for me,” Williams said. “I want to be honest, I want to be worthy, I want to serve my community, I want to be a part of making things happen. That’s just who I am. It’s a part of me, and I guess that’s why I’m still here.”

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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A 21-year-old West Monroe man who called police to report a stolen necklace was arrested himself minutes later after officers found he had been ordered out of a Ruston restaurant and kept going back inside, according to an affidavit.

William C. Dark was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on Aug. 26 on counts of disturbing the peace, remaining after being forbidden and resisting an officer. He was released on his own recognizance on the first two counts, and bond was set at $1,000 on the resisting count.

Ruston Police were called at about 11:27 p.m. in reference to a theft. An officer found Dark walking away from the establishment and, in speaking with him, noted slurred speech and difficulty walking. Dark said a patron had ripped a chain off of him, describing it as a silver chain with three gold pieces and valuing it at about $14,000.

While the officer was speaking with Dark, the general manager walked up and handed Dark a piece of the chain and a matching chain. The manager said Dark had been escorted out of the building earlier that night for causing a disturbance and told not to come back, and he had gone back in three times anyway.

As a lieutenant was telling Dark the chain was on the hood of a patrol unit, Dark began cursing and causing a disturbance. When the lieutenant moved to detain him, Dark tightened up and turned his body toward the officers, who forced him into restraints. He was placed in a patrol unit and taken to the detention center.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

Louisiana Tech University has announced graduates from its Summer 2026 commencement ceremonies held August 15. Graduates are listed below by the state/territory they have reported in their Workday profile, with Louisiana listed first.

CLICK HERE TO SEE

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Lincoln Parish Journal readers have an opportunity each week to win FREE money in the Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em presented by Johnson Physical Therapy, Ruston Athletic Supply, and The Rental Association.

And the best part is it’s FREE … just like your subscription to the LPJ.

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The Lincoln Parish Journal wants to thank Karl Malone Toyota, Johnson Physical Therapy, Ruston Athletic Supply, and The Rental Association for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s College Football Pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Dubach Air and Heat, Ginn’s Autobody, Hart Designs, Charlie’s Carpet Cleaning, Tommy’s Tees, Mike Smith Law Office, Smoothie King of Ruston, CoreTechs, and Jeremy Hebert at Edward Jones for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. 

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Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $150 in cash … with the potential to make it $300 if you are perfect on the week (including predicting the No. 1 tiebreaker exactly right).

The Lincoln Parish Journal is holding the 5th Annual Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by The Rental Association, Ruston Athletic Supply, and Johnson Physical Therapy.

If you live in the deep south, you know College Football is King!

Anyone is eligible to participate and each week one lucky winner will go home with a $150 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 15 selected college football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The Karl Malone Toyota College Football Pick’em Contest presented by Ruston Athletic Supply, Johnson Physical Therapy, and The Rental Association will be conducted for 14 regular season weeks of the college season starting with Week 1 games.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to SUBSCRIBE to the Lincoln Parish Journal where it will come to your inbox every weekday morning.  It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $150 each week!

Follow the Lincoln Parish Journal each morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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A 22-year-old Monroe man was arrested Aug. 27 on the Grambling State University campus after officers on foot patrol found a handgun with an extended magazine inside his shorts.

Demartez Leandrey Johnson was booked into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center on one count of carrying a firearm in a school zone, according to the affidavit.

Two Grambling State University police officers were conducting a foot patrol of the Student Union and Main Street area at 8:50 p.m. when they saw three men walking in their direction. One officer recognized one of the men as a non-student wearing an ankle monitor whom officers had encountered two nights earlier and who had been advised he was not allowed on campus.

While the officers were speaking with the group, one of them noticed a second man wearing a cigarette lighter attached to his waistband and asked for it because the campus is smoke- and tobacco-free. Looking toward the front of the man’s waistband, the officer noticed a visible bulge and asked him what he had there. The man, identified as Johnson, replied, “You know.”

Officers conducted a pat-down for officer safety and felt an object resembling a handgun. Johnson was detained in handcuffs, and a black Glock handgun with an extended magazine was retrieved from inside his shorts. He was advised of his Miranda rights.

Johnson was taken to the Grambling State University Police Department for processing and then booked.

Johnson is currently on bond for aggravated assault with a firearm and battery of a dating partner. He was also arrested in June 2026 on counts of illegal possession of a stolen firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon in connection with a violent crime and controlled dangerous substances, and unlawful possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

By Malcolm Butler

In today’s college football landscape, Kolbe Fields and Eli Finley had options.

Both Louisiana Tech veterans could have entered the transfer portal following the 2025 season and potentially finished their college careers somewhere else.

But, neither did.

For Fields and Finley, the relationships built during their years in Ruston outweighed the opportunity to start over somewhere else for their final season.

“You always have opportunities to leave in today’s world of college football,” Fields said Monday during the weekly press conference. “But like I said, I always come back just to the people that’s in these walls. I mean, I can’t find any other relationships like I have here anywhere else in the country.”

Louisiana Tech wasn’t Fields first, or even second, choice of school, but it has definitely been his most impactful. The New Orleans native began his career at South Carolina in 2021 before spending the 2022 season at LSU. He transferred to Tech prior to the 2023 season and has since developed into one of the Bulldogs’ defensive leaders.

Fields earned second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2024 after recording 71 tackles and nine tackles for loss. But each of the past two seasons has also brought frustration.

Fields suffered season-ending injuries in both 2024 and 2025 that prevented him from playing in either of Louisiana Tech’s bowl appearances. Last year was particularly difficult after Fields entered the season as the CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded 39 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions in five starts before his season was cut short.

Now healthy again, Fields has one more opportunity to finish a season on the field with the Bulldogs.

And despite having another opportunity to explore the portal following last season, Fields said he had no desire to leave Ruston.

“I like to stay with the people that I trust and I know, because you can’t trust just anybody in this world,” Fields said. “Everybody doesn’t know you for who you are in this world, and a lot of these times it’s a lot of one-year deals.

“I’m not really too interested in the one-year deals because I could go somewhere for one year and they can get a different idea of who I am as a human than I have been here. I’ve been here for the rest of my college career. I’ve never thought about leaving.”

Finley’s reasoning sounds remarkably similar.

Unlike Fields, the 6-foot-6, 246-pound tight end has spent his entire college career at Louisiana Tech, developing into one of the Bulldogs’ most accomplished offensive players.

Finley earned second-team All-CUSA honors last season after leading Tech with 38 receptions and 444 receiving yards. He enters his senior season with 65 career catches for 768 yards and two touchdowns and was named second-team preseason All-Sun Belt this summer.

When opportunities arose to potentially play elsewhere, Finley decided those relationships were more important.

“For me, it’s the people in the building,” Finley said. “I come here every day and it’s like coming to work. I love coming here. I love coming to the facility, being around these people.”

Finley pointed out he and Fields weren’t the only veteran Bulldogs who could have explored other opportunities but chose to remain in Ruston.

“It’s a great group of guys who stayed, and not just me and Kolbe Fields,” Finley said. “Hayden Christman — there’s plenty of people who had opportunities to leave or opportunities to go places.

“But now in college football, loyalty is scarce. It’s rare. And just having that connection with guys — I’ve been here four years — it’s something that I value, and I’m excited to stay.”

Fields described the Bulldogs’ linebacker room as a family, saying many of the players have been together since he arrived in Ruston. The group competes and pushes each other during practices and gets together for dinner each Thursday before games.

“I feel like I got 12 brothers,” Fields said. “I didn’t have any brothers growing up. I had a whole bunch of cousins and I got an older sister. Those guys are like my brothers. We do everything together.”

That bond carries onto the field.

“When you’re out there and you’ve got guys on the side of you that you really love, you play different for them,” Fields said.

Cumbie appears equally appreciative that Fields and Finley decided to finish their careers in Ruston, praising them.

“Kolbe’s back to life like last year from the standpoint of flying around,” Cumbie said. “If anything, the older he gets — which he’s getting up there in years — the wiser he gets.”

Cumbie then expanded his answer to include Finley, saying the Tech coaching staff have shared a common thought while watching the two veterans throughout preseason camp.

“Man, I’m sure glad they’re on our team, and we don’t have to go against them,” Cumbie said.

Fields and Finley will get another season to play alongside each other beginning Saturday night when Louisiana Tech opens its season against Northwestern State at Joe Aillet Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.

For Fields, his final season provides another opportunity to leave a legacy in Ruston that goes well beyond tackles, wins or anything else recorded in a box score.

“I just want people to know that Kolbe Fields was a great guy, a great human being first,” Fields said. “He believes in God and he loves his teammates.

“People forget about what you do on Saturdays and all that. But I just want the people that sit in the seats and use the TV rooms to know that I love the community.”

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Football season has arrived in the South, which means several things are about to change. Our Saturday schedules will change. Our diets will change. Hopefully, the weather will change. And for the record, if Alabama is playing, please do not call the preacher unless the church is on fire, somebody is bleeding, or you have discovered a previously unknown Bible verse promising a Crimson Tide victory. Did you know the phrase Crimson Tide appears in many hymnals?

I am an Alabama fan living and pastoring near Louisiana Tech, and my children went to LSU. So, I know what it feels like to be a football outsider. I have survived years of purple and gold. I have smiled through “Geaux Tigers.” I have lived close enough to Louisiana Tech to know that on game day, Ruston suddenly contains considerably more red and blue than the census would suggest. Football in the South is not merely recreation. It is geography, family history, tribal identity, and occasionally a reason not to speak to your brother-in-law until Monday.

Football season also changes our schedules. In July someone says, “How about Saturday afternoon?” Everybody answers, “Sure.” In September, the response becomes, “What time is kickoff?” Don’t get me started on couples who plan a big church wedding on Saturday afternoons in the fall! That may be the first theological lesson football season offers us:

We make time for what matters to us.

People who are “too busy” can somehow find four hours for a football game, an hour for the pregame show, and another hour afterward listening to people explain why the coach should have gone for it on fourth-and-two. Our calendars reveal our priorities. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I suspect our calendars may reveal our treasure almost as clearly as our checkbooks.

Football season also changes our wardrobe. We wear team colors. We have lucky shirts. Some fans own clothing containing more school logos than actual fabric. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Christians were equally recognizable—not by what we wear, but by how we live? Jesus said the world would know his disciples by their love. Not their bumper stickers. Not their church membership. Not their ability to identify all the verses in Revelation. By their love.

Then there is the football diet. Nobody has ever said, “Alabama and LSU are playing tonight. Let’s celebrate with steamed broccoli.” Football calls for wings, nachos, sausage, barbecue, cheese dip, and whatever mysterious creation has been simmering in somebody’s Crock-Pot since breakfast. And strangely enough, there is something theological even there.

People gather around tables. They laugh. They tell stories. They argue about officials. They remember old games and old friends. We were created for community. That may be why Sunday worship matters. Church is not simply a place to hear a sermon any more than football is simply a way to discover the final score. We gather because we belong to one another.We celebrate victories. We carry one another through losses. We pray when life goes into overtime. 

So enjoy football season. Wear your colors. Cheer loudly. Eat irresponsibly. And when Sunday morning comes, remember there is another gathering where you belong. The admission is free. The fellowship is better. And unlike football, we already know who wins.

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

The Lincoln Parish Journal salutes the 2026-27 Cedar Creek School varsity cheerleaders and wish them the very best year.

Front Row (L to R): Aubrey Singleton, Clara Yates, Presley Wall, Kendal Basham

Middle Row (L to R): Caroline Vance (Co-captain), Georgia Dugdale (Co-captain), Hallie Cockerham (Captain), Sophie Mariano (Co-captain)

Back Row (L to R): Lauren Pearce, Gabby Smith, Ella Fisher, Ella Robinson, Maggie Newman, Bailey Martin, Finley Best, Mary Claire Temple

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The Lincoln Parish Journal salutes the 2026-27 Cedar Creek School Emerald Entertainers and we wish them a wonderful year.

Front Row (L to R): Bailey Hiers (Captain), Catherine Williams (Co-captain)

Middle Row (L to R): Anna Malsam, Olivia Ferrell, Olivia Green

Back Row (L to R): Preslee Prince, Ella-Cate Veatch, Bailee Allen, Hadley Gatlin, Brooklynne Hennigan

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Each Monday through Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Tuesday, Sept. 1
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
6 p.m.: Lincoln Parish School Board meeting
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)

Wednesday, Sept. 2
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
9:30 a.m.: Lincoln Parish Retired Teachers Association meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)

Thursday, Sept. 3
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richard Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121)
1 p.m.: Ruston Duplicate Bridge Club meeting (Presbyterian Church, 212 N. Bonner St.)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)

Friday, Sept. 4
7 p.m.: RHS football
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football

Saturday, Sept. 5
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Sports and TCG Cards (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Video Game Meetup hosted by Ruston Fighting Gaming Community (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: GSU football
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech football

Monday, Sept. 7
Labor Day
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5:30 p.m.: Ruston City Council meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creatives at Work, 301 N. Trenton)

Tuesday, Sept. 8
6:30 a.m.: Veterans free breakfast (VFW Post 3615, 206 Memorial Dr.)
10 a.m.: Storytime : Back to School (Lincoln Parish Library)
4 p.m.: Crafternoon : Cupcake Cards (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Parish police jury meeting (Lincoln Parish Courthouse)

Wednesday, Sept. 9
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
12-1 p.m.: Rotary Club meeting (Historic Fire Station)

Thursday, Sept. 10
9:30 a.m.: Piney Hills Quilt Guild meeting (Grace Methodist Church)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall; Anyone is welcome to come to our meeting,please notify Richard Hamilton of your attendance. 318-518-2121)
4 p.m.: Tween Time : Pokémon Bookmarks (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Teen Time :  Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Lincoln Parish Library)
6 p.m.: Video-Led Exercise class (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: Southern A’Chord Chorus rehearsal (Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 212 N. Bonner St.; open to all women singers)
7 p.m.: Lincoln Prep football

Friday, Sept. 11
6 a.m.: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb (Joe Aillet Stadium, LA Tech)
7 p.m.: RHS football
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football

Saturday, Sept. 12
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market

Sunday, Sept. 13
2-4 p.m.: Tech professor Albino Hinojosa book signing of “The Art of Albino Hinojosa” (Trinity Methodist Church)

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For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

All three Lincoln Parish teams are included in the preseason Louisiana Sports Writers Association Top 10 polls released this morning. Ruston High is No. 1 in Class 5A while Lincoln Prep and Cedar Creek are receiving votes in the Class 1A poll. See the full polls below.

Class 5A

School, 1st rec, points

1.Ruston (8) 0-0 129

2. Karr (3) 0-0 120
3. Catholic-Baton Rouge 0-0 107
4. John Curtis 0-0 82
5. Alexandria 0-0 71
6. St. Augustine 0-0 67
7. Zachary 0-0 61
8. Central 0-0 51
9. Archbishop Rummel 0-0 39
10. Southside 0-0 35

Others receiving votes: Acadiana 27, Ouachita 18, St. Thomas More 18, West Monroe 14, Evangel Christian 10, Mandeville 5, Brother Martin 1, Destrehan 1, Terrebonne 1.

Class 4A

School, 1st rec, points

1.Neville (11) 0-0 132
2. Westgate 0-0 115
3. Archbishop Shaw 0-0 103

4. North DeSoto 0-0 96
5. Madison Prep 0-0 76
6. Plaquemine 0-0 69
7. Franklin Parish 0-0 60
8. Lake Charles Prep 0-0 57
9. E.D. White 0-0 49
10. Teurlings Catholic 0-0 28

Others receiving votes: Salmen 26, Lafayette Renaissance 9, John F. Kennedy 8, Cecilia 7, Carencro 6, Leesville 6, Franklinton 2.

Class 3A

School, 1st rec, points

1. University (6) 0-0 119
2. St. Charles (2) 0-0 116
3. Sterlington (1) 0-0 99
4. St. James (2) 0-0 98
5. Iowa 0-0 93
6. Jena 0-0 83
7. Jewel Sumner 0-0 67
8. Vandebilt Catholic 0-0 63
9. Loyola Prep 0-0 46
10. Northwest 0-0 28

Others receiving votes: Iota 19, Marksville 18, Carroll 5, De La Salle 3, Bunkie 1.

Class 2A

School, 1st rec, points

1. Dunham (9) 0-0 130
2. Calvary Baptist (1) 0-0 116
3. Mangham (1) 0-0 105
4. Oak Grove 0-0 97
5. Notre Dame 0-0 81
6. Kinder 0-0 55
7. Catholic-New Iberia 0-0 47
8. Lafayette Christian Academy 0-0 44
9. Amite 0-0 43
10. Loreauville 0-0 30

Others receiving votes: West St. Mary 28, Newman 23, Union Parish 22, Country Day 8, Ferriday 3, Mansfield 1.

Class 1A

School, 1st rec, points

1. Haynesville (10) 0-0 130
2. Ouachita Christian 0-0 116
3. Riverside Academy (1) 0-0 103
4. Ascension Catholic 0-0 96
5. Jeanerette 0-0 90
6. Westminster-Opelousas 0-0 81
7. Logansport 0-0 59
8. South Plaquemines 0-0 50
9. East Feliciana 0-0 45
10. Southern Lab 0-0 38

Others receiving votes: Westminster-Lafayette 23, Lincoln Prep 8, Kentwood 6, Cedar Creek 5, St. Edmund 1.

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Funeral service for Nancy Ellen Doss Rogers, age 84 of Haughton, LA will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at New Prospect Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Dean and David Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in Unionville Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Ellen was born on February 8, 1942 in Vienna, LA to Cleo and Melvin Doss and she passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Bossier City, LA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and friend who will be lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ellen was a 1960 graduate of Dubach High School. Throughout her life, Ellen was known for her hardworking nature, caring heart, and devotion to her family. She worked for many years at Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston, LA, where she dedicated herself to her work and the people around her. Ellen also spent many years on the road as an 18-wheeler driver alongside her late husband, Kenneth Rogers, sharing countless miles, adventures, and memories together.

After retirement, Ellen enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She loved relaxing while watching her favorite TV Shows, especially the Cooking Channel, and could often be found with a good book in hand. She treasured spending time with her family, playing cards, and working on puzzle books. She also had a special love for plants and flowers.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Melvin Doss; husband, Kenneth Rogers; daughter, Sandra Woods; sisters, Elaine Doss and Melba Doss; and brother, Tommy Doss. She is survived by daughter, Sherrie and husband Gene Keller; son, Bobby Wiltcher, Jr.; grandchildren: David Woods and wife Brandy, Jereme Woods, Sr., April Woods, Misty Wood, Jeffery Wood and wife Alicia, Steven Wood and wife Brandi, Heather Wiltcher, B.J. Wiltcher, and Dusty Wiltcher; 22 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of other family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be David Woods, Jereme Woods, Sr., Jeffery Wood, Steven Wood, B.J. Wiltcher III, and Dusty Wiltcher. Honorary pallbearers are Jereme Woods, Jr., Jaden Wiltcher, and Bently Studdard.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Tuesday at New Prospect Baptist Church.

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J. Ross Pullin, age 77 of Hodge, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026. A lifelong resident of Jackson Parish, Ross was a graduate of Jonesboro-Hodge High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Ross is survived by his sons, Brad Pullin & wife, Sarah and Matt Pullin & wife, Emily; grandchildren, Reeves Pullin, Kate Pullin, George Pullin, James Pullin, Henry Pullin and Sam Pullin; siblings, Ray Pullin, Jr., Nell McLean and Amy Blackwell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ginger (Hathaway) Pullin; father, Alfred Ray Pullin, Sr.; and mother, Mary (Mathews) Pullin.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 3, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at Gayla Traina Cemetery on Friday, September 4, at 9:00 AM. with Bro. Trey Etheridge officiating. Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home will direct the graveside service.

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Richard Andrew Ballard, affectionately know as “Andy” was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 29, 2026.  He was 39 years old.  After 23 years of facing immense challenges of this earthly life, Andy was made whole and restored to perfect health.  What was once limited by this world has now been forever healed in the presence of his Savior.

Andy was born on April 30, 1987, in Jackson, MS, to Kimie Copeland Crawford and the late Dr. Richard Ballard.  Andy lived a life that reflected perseverance, unconditional love, and enduring faith.  He shared a special bond with his identical twin brother, Ramsey, who was not only his twin, but his best friend.

As a child, Andy loved his family, was quite an artist and enjoyed writing stories, and loved his pet cats.  As he grew older, he enjoyed soccer, baseball and basketball.  At age 16, Andy’s life dramatically changed when he suffered a traumatic brain injury while playing basketball at Ruston High School.  Though his path took an unexpected turn, Andy’s life continued to impact countless people through his quiet strength and the love he inspired in others.

Andy was an avid Dallas Mavericks and Star Wars fan.  He found joy in the things he loved and brought joy to those who knew him.

Most importantly, Andy received Jesus Christ as his Savior during his teenage years, a decision that remained the foundation of his life.  Just 6 weeks before his accident, he was baptized by his grandfather, Rev. M.F. Copeland, a moment that became an especially meaningful testimony of God’s faithfulness.

For the 23 years following his accident, Andy’s life became a testimony of perseverance, faith, and the unwavering love of family and friends.  His mother, Kimie Crawford, faithfully cared for him at home for 23 years, and, alongside family members, friends, and caregivers who faithfully walked this journey with them, she created a life of dignity, compassion and care for Andy.  The family would like to thank our precious Dewanna Russell for her years of love and care.  Her love, loyalty, and sacrifice will never by forgotten.

For many years, those who loved Andy prayed for earthly healing.  While God did not answer those prayers in the way many had hoped, He answered them perfectly.  We rest in knowing that Andy has received complete healing and eternal wholeness.  We rejoice in knowing that he is walking, running, speaking, seeing and worshipping His Father freely, forever free from pain and any limitation.

Andy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rev. M.F. and Delores Copeland; his paternal grandparents, Ingram and Catherine Ballard; his beloved twin brother, Ramsey Ballard; and his father, Dr. Richard Ballard.

He is lovingly survived by his mother, Kimie Crawford, and stepfather, J.D. Crawford; his uncle Kevin Copeland, his stepmother, Marcia Ballard; and a host of extended family members, friends, caregivers, and church family whose lives were forever touched by his presence.

Pallbearers will be Jurdon Thomas, McClain Thomas, Blake Thomas, Issac Thomas, Jeremy Albritton, and Lee McKinney.

A Service Celebrating Andy’s homegoing and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston, LA.  Officiating the service will be Bro. Paul Watts and Bro. John Nugent.  Interment will follow at Pisgah Cemetery in Bernice, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston, LA.

Memorial donations may be given to Emmanuel Baptist Church of Ruston, LA.

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Glen Erroll Neaville 
Sep 4, 1935 — Aug 27, 2026 
Visitation: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 10:00 am, Salem Churc, 11793 Hwy 151, Dubach 
Burial: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 11:00 am, Salem Cemetery, 11793 Louisiana 151, Dubach 

Ellen Doss Rogers 
Feb 8, 1942 — Aug 27, 2026 
Visitation: New Prospect Baptist Church, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 10:00 – 11:15 am  
Funeral Service: New Prospect Baptist Church, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 11:00 am 
Burial: Unionville Cemetery, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 11:30 am 

Dorothy A. Parker  
Friday 03/01/1957 — Friday 08/21/2026   
Visitation: Friday 09/04/2026 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home  
Celebration of Life: Saturday 09/05/2026 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home  
Interment: Saturday 09/05/2026 Following Service, Bonner Cemetery, Ruston  

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