A.J. Runnels Jr. , 75, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Shreveport, Louisiana, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 6, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Runnels was born January 22, 1943, in Logan, to A.J. Runnels and Charlie Fate Briggs Runnels. His hobbies included fishing and strolling in his El Caminos. He loved spending time with his family. Mr. Runnels was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by
Children:
Alan J. Runnels of Joaquin
Donald R. Runnels of Joaquin
Kevin D. Runnels of Joaquin
Melinda Harvey and husband, Jason, of Joaquin
Brittany Whitton and husband, Gary, of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Stoney Runnels and wife, Jessica
Justin Runnels
Shelby Runnels
Heaven Umbrell and husband, Wesley
Nathan Runnels
Cody Runnels and wife, Vanessa
Anna Runnels
Ashlyn Wiggins and husband, Jared
Kristen Harvey
Addisyn Harvey
Camryn Runnels
Kolton Whitton
Landen Whitton
Harley Runnels

Great Grandchildren:
Stormy Runnels
Trenton Runnels
Braylin Umbrell
Korbin Jackson
William Runnels
Matthew Runnels
Wrigley Umbrell
Zayne Klaire Wiggins

Numerous nieces, nephews and other family

A host of friends

Brother: Charles Runnels and wife, Marsha

Sisters:
Glenda
Rita Morris and husband, Donnie
Gail Fountain
Melissa Runnels

Preceded in death by
Loving wife of 51 years: Trudy Runnels
Parents: A.J. Runnels and Charlie Fate Briggs Runnels
Brother-in-law: Bryan Fountain

Pallbearers will be Stoney Runnels, Cody Runnels, Nathan Runnels, Ricky Pierce, "Bubba" Walters, Shelby Runnels, Justin Runnels and Tommy Bissell. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Compton, Gary Whitton, Travis Reneau, Joe Thomas and John Derek Adams.