John Frields

John Roland (J. R.) Frields went to his heavenly home Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the age of 90.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Axtell, Texas, and burial will follow at Dresden Cemetery in Barry, Texas. Ron Durham, nephew, and Brother Lester Adams will be officiating the services. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas.

J. R. was born September 24, 1933, in Waco, Texas, to Roy and Mary Ann Frields. He attended Waco schools, where he played football and was an accomplished pitcher for the baseball team. He retired from TSTC as a locksmith. He also worked as a policeman and at Andy’s Venetian Blind and Floor Covering. J. R. served in the United States Air Force. He was a long-time member of Spring Street Baptist Church and Concord Baptist Church. J. R. and the love of his life, Shirley Hollingsworth, married August 7, 1954, and just celebrated their 70th anniversary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary Ann Frields; sisters, Anna Laura Frields, Velmeda Coe, Thella Pettigrew, Alma Warren, Margriet Durham, and Leona Howard; brother, Andy Frields; and several nephews and nieces.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Karen and husband, Charlie Burch, of Robinson; daughter, Pam and husband, Donnie Harrison, of Axtell; son, John Frields Jr. and David Haun of Waco; four grandchildren, Brad and wife, Kameron Harrison, Chris Burch and Amy Arani, Heather and husband, Junior Martinez, and Michael and wife, Shallie Harrison; eight great-grandchildren, Kate, Faith, A. J., and Kaylee Martinez; Avery, Case, Reese, and Brooks Harrison; and numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

He was known by all as a sweet, kind man with a great smile. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, Daddy, Papa, and friend. We are beyond blessed to call him ours.

Pallbearers are Brad and Michael Harrison, Chris Burch, Junior and A. J. Martinez, and Roger Frields.

Thank you to St. Anthony’s Care Center for their loving care the last nine months.

Memorials may be made to www.gideons.org to provide Bibles to men, women, and children. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on John’s Tribute Wall at www.WHBfamily.com.

Please feel free to wear jeans and your favorite color to celebrate a life well-lived!