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James Robert “J.R.” Talley, a resident of Bogalusa, passed away at his residence on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021.

J.R. was born on March 4, 1929 in Bogalusa, to the late George and Ethel Talley. For a brief period of time in his childhood, J.R. and his family moved to Mobile, Ala., for his father to work in the shipyard. J.R. attended Bogalusa High School, and started working at the local paper mill at the age of 18 in 1947. He began working in the recovery room at the paper mill, progressed to working on the train crew for 18 years, then retired from the mechanical crew in 1991. J.R. worked at the paper mill for 44 years, retiring at the age of 62. He served in the National Guard for eight years and was a decorated Sharpshooter and Marksman. J.R. enjoyed riding horses in his younger years, and was a dedicated member of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Posse. J.R. also liked going to horse and NASCAR races with friends. As a member of the Louisiana Cattlemen Association, he enjoyed participating in annual association trips to livestock shows, ranches, rodeos and other points of interest. J.R. also enjoyed socializing with friends at Capo’s for many years.

J.R. is survived by his “adopted family,” Chad and Melissa Sheridan; their children, Ashley and Brooke, Brian and Angie Stewart; their children, Justin and Bailey; along with many cousins and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel Talley; his grandparents, James and Edmonia Stewart; and a host of close friends and family.

A special thank you to the wonderful team of ladies for their dedication and amazing care of him for the past year and a half: Keli Ard, Jewel Miller, Sherri Schilling, Kristian Brown, Connie Lacey and Michelle Neurauter.

Visitation was at Poole Ritchie Funeral Home on Monday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Palestine Baptist Church Cemetery, with Bro. Fred Brumfield officiating.

Pallbearers were Chad Sheridan, Brian Stewart, Justin Stewart, Pete Stewart, Matthew Stewart and Roy Crain.