Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries



JAMES RAY "ROOT" UTSEY

James Ray "Root" Utsey, 70, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2015, at 
Providence Hospital in Waco.

He was born in Teague on September 6, 1944. Mr. Utsey served in the U.S. Navy 
from March of 1962 until November of 1966, and worked as a pipeliner for all his 
working career.

He is survived by one son, Mitchell Utsey and wife Bailey Burbank of Santa Rosa, 
California; two daughters, Kasie McGowan and husband Michael of Mexia, and Jamie 
Nibbe and husband Andy of Teague; one step-son, Brandon Collinsworth of Austin; 
five grandchildren, Marcus James Utsey, Kara Diane Lodes, Justin Douglas Hargis, 
James Dean Hargis, and Natalie Raye Nibbe; two sisters, Jimmie Lee Hales and 
husband Roy of Buffalo, and Marsha Dee Utsey of Teague; one niece, Deana Kay 
Wright of Buffalo; his beloved pet, “Duke”; other relatives and friends.

Mr. Utsey was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Utsey, and 
three nephews, Jimmy Hales, Terry Hales, and Kent Utsey.

At Mr. Utsey’s request, there will be no services.