Funeral services for Mr. William Ray Foster, 84, of Old Center will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 in the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Granberry officiating. Masonic rites and burial will follow in the Old Center Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Friday night at Hawthorn’s. Mr. Foster died April 6, 2017 in Carthage, Texas.

 

Mr. William Ray Foster was born May 9, 1932 in Joaquin, Texas. He was the oldest of five children born to the marriage of William E. and Essie M. Lilly Foster. He was raised and schooled in Joaquin later completing his education at Panola Junior College. Ray married Vonabel Kyle December 3, 1956 and they celebrated 61 years together. 

 

Mr. Foster spent his career in gas and oil production through Texas Eastern Gas Pipeline Co. retiring after 35 years of service. He was a longtime member of the Old Center Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was a mason and Past Master of the Tenaha Masonic Lodge. Ray loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with family.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Guy Williard Foster, and a sister, Jimmie Frances Bowlin.

 

Mr. Foster is survived by his loving wife, Vonabel Foster of Old Center Community, children, Charles Ray Foster and wife Tonya of Clayton, Ronald Dwain Foster and wife Judy of Antioch, Donna Lynn Higginbotham of Longview, sisters, Anita Singleton and husband Herbert of Conroe, Eva Joy Meaux and husband Jerry of Carthage, grandchildren, William Darcy Foster and wife Mindy of San Marcos, Kristin Gardner and husband Andy of Garrison, Yvonne Foster of Pflugerville, Jeannie Whatley and husband Ryan of Austin, Kerry Ann Vana and husband Paul of Dallas, James William Foster and wife Krista of Waco, Jon Eric Higginboham and Crystal Pruitt of Longview, thirteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

 

Pallbearers will be; Jeff Kyle, Mike Whiddon, Craig Gibbs, Wayne Wimberly, Herbert Singleton and Steve Allen, honorary pallbearers will be the Tenaha Masonic Lodge. The family suggests memorials to the Tenaha Masonic Lodge or Old Center Cemetery Assoc. An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com.

 

 

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