Dorles Weldon Weeks 1927-2023

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Dorles Weldon Weeks passed away Friday, March 24, 2023. He was born in Alba on Dec. 25, 1927 to Eugene and Frances Jane Weeks. Dorles was proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Troyce Gene Weeks.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife and high school sweetheart, Willie Mae (Bobbie) Whitus Weeks; daughters, Donna Bishop (Allen) and Lana Gilliam (Bobby); three grandchildren, Melanie Henderson (Jason), Bobby Gilliam Jr. and Allison Farris (Wes); two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Hadley Henderson; and a host of friends.

Dorles graduated from Golden High School in 1944. He played basketball in high school and could remember important details of his games throughout his life. He served in the US Navy in the South Pacific at the end of WWII.  

He married Bobbie on May 22, 1948 and went to work at Franklin Paint Company in Little Rock, Ark. It was in Little Rock that they began their family with daughters Donna and Lana. Dorles was very proud of his daughters’ accomplishments and supported them in their endeavors. Dorles served as a deacon at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church where his family was very active, and they still maintain many friendships today. During this period, Dorles became a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, attending many of their football games. He continued to root for the Razorbacks for the rest of his life.

In 1969, Dorles opened Weeks Paint Company and in short time had expanded to three stores in the Little Rock area. Bobbie worked at Dorles’ side for many years, and he was a well respected businessman in the Little Rock community.

Dorles retired from the paint business and moved back to Alba in 1992. Ever the entrepreneur and salesman, he soon took a position as a sales representative for Newton Advertising, winning four Silver Eagle awards as the top salesman in his division while in his 80s. Bobbie served as his “secretary,” supporting his daily sales efforts. He made many lifelong friends through selling advertising products and yet another business, “Dorles Weeks – The Golf Man.” Dorles became well known by golfers in Wood County and beyond by selling golf equipment out of his garage.

Not only did Dorles sell golf equipment, but he began playing golf seriously in his retirement, taking trips to play golf courses all over Texas and the southern parts of the country. He loved the game and played regularly until the age of 88.

Dorles loved the Lord and never hesitated to share his testimony. He wrote many poems about his faith in God and his love for his sweet wife. Dorles was always wanting to start a conversation by asking “Where you from?” His positive attitude and outlook on life carried him through his final days proclaiming, “Better times are ahead” and encouraging others with “Have a good day today and a better one tomorrow!” This positive outlook was a product of his deep-seated faith in Jesus Christ, and Dorles was ready to meet his savior and heavenly father in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to Alba First Baptist Church where Dorles was active until his health declined. Visitation and services were held at Beaty Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 28 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively.  Pallbearers were Mike Humphries, John Margos, Steven Margos, Michael Hunt, Dan Medlin and Leon Anderson.