James Leon Manning

A memorial service for James Leon Manning, 77, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Timberland Drive Church of Christ, with Harold Hancock and Reagan McClenny officiating. Interment will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. in the Libby Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.

Mr. Manning was born July 11, 1939 on the family farm near Garrison. His parents were the late Ruth (Strong) and Ezra Manning. He died Tuesday, June 27, 2017.

Mr. Manning was a 1957 graduate of Garrison High School. He received both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Education Degree from Stephen F. Austin University. After a teaching career in junior high math, Mr. Manning returned to school and earned a Master of Accounting Degree from Northeastern University in Boston.

In 1971, Mr. Manning began a 45 year career as a CPA with Axley & Rode, LLP. He served as a partner and as managing partner from 1999-2001.

Mr. Manning was active in the Lufkin Rotary Club. He served as president from 1990-1991. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990.

He was a founding member and former president of the board of the Stubblefield Learning Center. Because of his teaching background, Mr. Manning was always involved in the education of the youth of his community.

Mr. Manning was a member of the Timberland Drive Church of Christ. He served as a deacon, treasurer, and Bible class teacher.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Standley Manning; son, Jim Manning of Nashville; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Brett Kirk; beloved grandchildren, William, Eliza and John Kirk, all of Kingwood; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Bob Barton; sister-in-law, Jean Manning; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Becky Standley; and nieces and nephews, Randy and Marsha Bickham, Guy Bickham, Bruce and Kim Bickham, Janet Richardson, Susan and Terry Chandler, Melanie and Bubba Smith, Cook and MaryAnn Standley, and Ed Standley.

Mr. Manning was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Bobbie Bickham and Mary Anderson; and brother, Carroll Manning.

Honorary pallbearers will be current and former partners of Axley & Rode, LLP and elders and deacons of Timberland Drive Church of Christ.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.