William “James” Nugent, 1930-2019

William “James” Nugent, 89, lifelong resident of Liberty County, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, in Liberty, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 23, 1930 in Fregia Settlement by midwife delivery to Florence “Teen” Dagle and Alfred Nugent Sr.

James worked in the oilfield as a roustabout all his life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and listening to Cajun music. His favorite singer was “old man Hank” as he referred to Hank Williams, Sr. James also enjoyed dancing, drinking and living his life to the absolute fullest. He loved telling tales of Bigfoot being in the woods beside the Fregia Settlement to his children and grandchildren. James was deeply loved by most that knew him and he will be greatly missed.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Patsy Nugent; his daughter Lura Hanks; a child he raised as his own, Sherry Strang; his brothers “Buddy” Nugent, Alfred “Son” Nugent, Jr. and Wilbur Nugent; his sisters Mattie Fregia, Lucille Fregia, Hattie Chapman and Louetta Tanner. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children James “Red” Williams and wife Sharon Edgar, Dana “Dana Baby” Nugent, Shirley Beauchaine and husband Larry; and two surviving children that he raised, Cynthia Martin and Alisa Perkins; his grandchildren Jamie Williams, Dalton Lawrence, Josh Parson, Bradley Beauchaine, Derek Beauchaine, Chad Hanks, Yvonna Bolin, Codi McGowen, Tera Beauchaine Hebert, and Corey Collins; his 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of many other loving relatives and friends.

Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers will be Dalton Lawrence, Yvonna Bolin, Andy Hanks, P.J. Shields, Scott McQuary and Jamie Williams.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 602 N. Main Street in Dayton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 15, at Sterling Funeral Home, with Pastor Jamie Simmons officiating. A graveside service and committal will immediately follow in Williams Cemetery in Liberty, Texas.

Condolences can be shared online with the family by visiting SterlingFuneralHome.com.