JL Geis of Hamby lost his battle to cancer January 5, 2014, with his family by his side. He was born August 25, 1934 in Callisburg, Texas to the late JG and Anis (Skinner) Geis. JL grew up with a devoted step-father, the late TC Hudson and his mother, Anis (Skinner) Hudson in Whitesboro and Gainesville, Texas. JL completed the 7th grade and decided he was going to be a cook when his uncle RW McDonnell said come work for me; that began his 64-year building career. He built houses and nursing homes all over Texas. His hobby was fast cars; from winning car shows, owning stock cars and watching NASCAR on Sundays with his family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law and sister, James and Ruth (Hudson) Greenway of Sherman. Both lost their battles to cancer. And Billie (Godwin) Geis; mother to two of his children. JL is survived by his wife of 30 years, Joyce (Truitt) Geis. He is also survived by his seven children and their spouses: Dallas and Essie Geis of Abilene; John and Patty Swords of Baird; Tony Geis of Sherman; Cheryl Geis of Conroe; Ricky and Grace Geis of Granbury; Nick and Kay Rose of Ft. Worth; and Aaron and Jacinda Ballard of Lubbock. He is survived by two of his siblings, Betty and Eddie Price of Albany; Donnie and Peggy Hudson of Sadler and his first four children's mother, Carmel Hart.He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, few aunts and cousins, many nieces and nephews, and many friends. This was JL's second courageous battle with cancer and he was always optimistic about his outcome. Even though JL retired from building, he treated his cancer like it was his job: with hard work, strength and sheer determination. The viewing will be held at North's Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-6:30pm. The funeral will take place at Hamby Baptist Church on Thursday at 11am and burial will follow at Hamby Cemetery.JL's pallbearers will be his grandsons: Dion Ford, Dusty Ford, Joshua Ford, Justin Geis, Israel Ford, and Levi Ford.