Jimmie Blake Kelsey

Jimmie B. Kelsey, 87, of Dickens went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Jimmie was born on February 2, 1932 in Paducah, Tx to the late George Buell and Bertha Kelsey.

He met the Love of his life, Ruby Marie Nickerson, at a rodeo dance in Seymour, TX where they were later married in October of 1951 and spent 65 years together.

Shortly after being married he was drafted at the age of 18 and spent two years serving his country in the Army. While in the Army and spending time out on the sea he learned to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. He enjoyed boxing. Upon his discharge he and Ruby spent over 20 years in Artesia, NM where they raised their family and he worked as a Superintendent in the oilfield for Phillips Petroleum.

He later retired from the oilfield and his deep love for animals and agriculture propelled him to invest in a lifelong dream of owning a farm back in Texas. Needless to say; they bought a farm, moved and settled in Dickens, TX. Jimmie loved to fish and hunt as a young man but as he got older; he got busier and did not get to enjoy them as often. Jimmie was a devoted husband and father and loved his family dearly.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his wife Ruby Marie Kelsey, parents and brother, Buell Kelsey.

Jimmie is survived by one brother, George Preston Kelsey and wife June of Oklahoma; his sons, Edward Kelsey and wife Karen of Artesia, NM; Bobby Kelsey and wife Zonna of Spur, Tx; four grandchildren Wesley Kelsey, Arren Powell and Husband Mike, Travis Kelsey and Jeremy Kelsey; five great-grandchildren Shoshanna Prater and husband Stephen, Skyler Powell and wife Teniell, Tayle Kelsey, Taysea Powell, and Kameron Kelsey; one great-great-grandchild Peyson Powell.

Graveside Services are scheduled at 1:00PM Saturday, October 12th, 2019, at the Dickens Cemetery in Dickens, TX, under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home.