1970s
Sherry Lou “Slu” Burnett Etheredge, BS ’70, of San Angelo, TX, died Sept. 12, 2019, after a hard fought battle with ovarian cancer on September 12, 2019 at her home with her family beside her. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Glen Meadows Baptist Church with Brother Mack Roller officiating. Arrangements are by Harper Funeral Home. Sherry was born in Lubbock, TX to RJ and Moena Burnett on April 4, 1947. She attended school in Cotton Center, TX and then Baylor University where she was an Athenian and graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She married Rick Etheredge in Cotton Center on July 26th, 1969. Rick was the love of her life, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage this past July. She was a County Extension Agent for ten years before she began her second career teaching elementary students. She retired from education in 2014, but never retired from loving the students she taught. As a breast cancer survivor, Sherry was passionate about reaching those who battle cancer, sending “The Scriptures” to over 8,000 people through her Cancer Ministry at Glen Meadows. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents RJ and Moena Burnett, her brother Jim Burnett, and her granddaughter Evie Michelle Armstrong.
She is survived by her husband, Rick; daughter Cara Stone and Scott of Merkel, TX; daughter Julie Armstrong and Chris of Llano, TX; siblings Stan and Deneise Burnett, Mark and Jana Brown, Nancy Burnett; grandchildren Carley, Slade, Camryn, Collins, and Abigail; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and friends. In order to help children who suffer from emotional trauma due to abuse and neglect, memorials may be given to New Horizons at 147 Sayles Blvd. Abilene, TX 79605. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Glen Meadows Baptist Church; the Wall Community; Drs. Forlano, Cummings, and Cheraku of Shannon Medical Center; Dr.
Carolyn Matthews and staff of Texas Oncology; Encompass Home Health and Kindred Hospice; and the numerous nurses that cared for Sherry. God Bless You.
Bernard Lee Grygar, BBA ’70, crossed over on October 21, 019, at his country home outside Conroe, TX. He was born November 12, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, to Josephine and Walter Grygar and is survived by his mother. Other survivors are his wife Janice; brother Norbert and wife Lynn of Temple, Texas; brother Leslie: brother David and wife Martha of Carrollton, Texas; daughter Kristi and husband David Wallington of Spring, Texas; stepdaughter Pamela Fisk of Dallas, Texas; stepson Matthew and wife Angie Fisk of Katy, Texas; grandchildren David Wallington, Heather Wallington, Charlotte Fisk, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bernie was a graduate of Rogers High School, Rogers, TX and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Baylor University. He was in special risks insurance most of his career and after retirement worked as a scribe for special needs students at Lone Star College. He was a member of First Christian Church Conroe where he once served as an elder and assisted weekly with food pantry deliveries. He was an avid reader, vacationer, and theater goer. He was always active and tried not to miss his regular water aerobics classes. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved music and compiling songs into playlists to enjoy and share with others. He was hardworking, fun loving, and liked both cooking in his kitchen and dining on special recipes. Most of all he enjoyed playing games and joking with his family and friends.
Ronald Eugene McRuiz, BA ’70, age 71 of Cleburne, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2019. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 P.M. Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Crossroads Church. A private memorial service for family will be held at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Cate, Larry Combs, Gene Petross, Bob Richey, John Smith and Gary Beaver. Two earth angels who were always there to care for Ron in his time of need are Janice Plihal and Charles Bottomley. Ron McRuiz was born on February 9, 1948 in Tyler, Texas to Thelma and Albert McRuiz. He graduated from John Tyler High School in 1966, Tyler Junior College in 1968 and Baylor University in 1970. Ron taught Spanish and French at Cleburne High School, University High School in Waco, Kopperl High School, Midlothian High School and was a longtime substitute at Alvarado High School. Rancho Ron sang cowboy songs and played the drums with the Chisholm Trail Cowboys. He also was a member of the Western Music Award winning group The Texas Trailhands singing western swing songs and playing percussion. He was a founding member of the Cowtown Opry in Fort Worth, Texas. Playing the drums and singing in the Crossroads Church praise band was a great source of joy for him. Ron is survived by his wife of 45 years, Holly McRuiz; son, Robin March McRuiz and wife Alison, and their son Ourson Mec McRuiz. Being "Grampy" was his most recent pleasure and was his greatest source of enjoyment in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Thelma and Albert McRuiz. Ron will be missed and remembered fondly by all that knew him.
Buddy Fred Moore, BS ’70, La Porte, TX, died Sept. 27, 2019. He was born on August 19, 1947 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was an outstanding basketball, football and track star at Georgetown, Kentucky High School. He was the president of Boys State in Kentucky in high school and played football at Baylor before suffering a knee injury against Kansas State. In December of 1969 he married his Baylor sweetheart, Lynne, and then in 1970 he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. Buddy was smart, loyal, and generous. He was severely injured 34 years ago from an assault that occurred while he was delivering gasoline to a service station. He sustained a life altering brain injury and numerous physical injuries that led to challenging relational, mental, emotional, and physical issues the rest of his life. However, what made more of a difference in Buddy’s life than his injury, was his relationship with Jesus. He wanted others to know what a difference Jesus had made in his life through all of the trials he faced. Though his health deteriorated, he became a more loving, peaceful, and courageous man which is something only the love and power of God can do in one’s life. Buddy is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Lynne, his son Andrew and daughter Mary Grace who is married to Luke Kunefke; grandchildren Gracelynne, Letty, Kohen, and Emmry; siblings Dan, Ann Sanderson, Benjamin (Sharon), Joe (Betty), and Nancy Fuller (David). Plus many wonderful nieces and nephews. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Dr. Dan C. Moore and Lena Moore. “I am the resurrection and the life, Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…”” - John11:25
Diane Reinhardt Smith, BA ’70, of Friendswood, TX, died July 8, 2019.
Don W. Clements, JD ’72, of Brownwood, TX, died Oct. 24, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at First Christian Church with Bro. Sterling Lentz officiating. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood. Don was born to Meredith Leslie and Christine (Brooks) Clements on Oct. 30, 1935, in Brownwood. He graduated from Brownwood High in 1954. After high school, he went on to graduate from Howard Payne University; from there he was accepted into Baylor Law School and graduated with his Doctorate in Law. He was a Lawyer and Municipal Judge in Brownwood for many years. Don served in the United States Navy. Don married the love of his life, Janice King, on Aug. 10, 1957, in Brownwood. He was a very avid golfer and loved spending time with his family and friends. Don was very active in the community serving on numerous boards in and around Brownwood. He was a former President for Brownwood ISD School Board, very instrumental in starting the Brownwood Jaycees, and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Don was also a longtime member of First Christian Church in Brownwood. Don is survived by his son, Craig Clements and wife Jami of Brownwood; daughter, Leslie Butler and husband Steve of Brownwood; six grandchildren, Cody Clements, Cacy Clements, Logan Gough, Slaten Gough, Chad Butler, and Kayla Richardson; seven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Carveth Clements and wife Carol of Brownwood, Jerry Clements and wife Diana of California. He is also survived by numerous other family members and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Clements; one brother, Luke Clements; and his parents.
Jean Peebles Dawson, BA ’72, MSEd ’76, whose age we still are not allowed to mention, of Woodway, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, August 12, 2019. The family will receive visitors from 6-8pm Friday August 16, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco. Jean was born and reared in Daytona Beach, Florida. When she was 16 years old, she came to Texas to visit her sister, and on a whim, she applied for and obtained employment at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas. Eventually, she met and married a young man from Waco, Texas. She and her husband, Jack Peebles, had a daughter and a son. When the children were older, Jean decided to start taking classes at McLennan Community College. She earned an Associate of Arts Degree from MCC, entered Baylor University the following semester and graduated summa cum laude in 1972. That same year, she started her teaching career at University High School in Waco. She first taught English, later transferring to the Business Department; she went on to earn a Master of Science Degree from Baylor University. She loved learning; always taking many courses and classes during the summer and at night. While teaching, Jean was involved in many extracurricular activities: sponsoring the Rotary Key Club, the cheerleaders’ organization, coaching and sponsoring UIL (University Interscholastic League) events each spring, with her students winning many district, regional and state events. Affectionately known as "Mean Jean", she loved teaching and she loved her students. In giving career advice to her students, she advised them to carefully decide what they truly loved doing and to follow something that they would love to get up and go to, as she did. In 1985, Jean transferred to Midway High School, and was there until ill health forced her resignation in 2008. When she recovered, she taught at Baylor University for a short period. Second to teaching, the thing that she loved most was traveling. During Christmas holidays, Spring Breaks, summer vacations, whenever she had time off, she traveled. Her travel partner was primarily her daughter, and together they visited Hawaii three or four times, England three times, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Hong Kong, Versaille and many others. They also made automobile trips through most of the United States and took cruises, their favorite of which was the Alaskan. Dale Dawson and Jean Peebles married in 1987. When Jean moved to a neighborhood where there were many feral cats, she was appalled to see these cats starving, freezing, and being hit by cars. She put a “Have a Heart” cage on her patio. Almost every morning there was a trapped cat, which she took to the vet to be neutered or spayed and vaccinated; she stopped counting at 22. Jean enjoyed socializing. She belonged to Four Seasons Garden Club, New Comers and Neighbors, Red Hats Society and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Jean was preceded in death by her mother and father, William Coleman and Elise Autry Eason; brother, William Myron Eason and wife Pat; sister, Mary Elizabeth and husband James Wright Merry; sister, Mildred Fields; brother, Lloyd Eason, and foster daughter and dear friend, Evelyn Mary McAllister, who passed after a five year battle with breast cancer.
Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Elyse Peebles and companion LeeAnn Coffen; son, Michael Edward Peebles and wife Lorie; granddaughter, Ashley Michelle Peebles; grandson, Michael Justin Peebles and wife Toni; granddaughter, Nancy Deitrich Peebles; step-grandson, Donnie Gideon; sister Carole Chandler and husband Lew; sister-in-law, Beth Eason; two great-grandchildren, Paige and Cameron Peebles; extended family including, dearly loved Cathy Bryant, Joe Peebles and wife Vickie, Malissa Tate and husband Brandon, and their children, Makenzie, Abygail and Jackson Tate, Matt Bryant, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Jean also leaves behind many dear and treasured friends. A special thank you to Pastor Ken Riley and wife Theresa and Hewitt Community Church. The blessings you brought to us are many, including a particularly bright and memorable evening of Christmas carols that brought her joy for months to come. To Sophia and Samantha Marton: the love you showed Jean meant the world; you will always have a place in our hearts. Thank you does not even begin to express what we would like to say to Kay Gann and all of the team at Providence Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Jean and those who loved her so. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to Providence Hospice, which can be done online at www.chot.org.
Cynthia Jean Menefee, BA ’73, went to heaven on October 5, 2019. She was born in Katy, Texas on July 30, 1951 to Tom and Nancy Cardiff. Cynthia was married to Tom Menefee for nearly 30 years. She was the oldest of five children. She is survived by her husband Tom, her brother Jim Cardiff and his wife Cynthia Marie, their son Jake and daughter Lili Marie; her mother Nancy Cardiff and sisters Deborah Dantin and family, and Leslee Sisk and family; her step daughter Melissa Foulds, her husband Chris along with their son Kyle and daughter Rachel. She is preceded in death by her brother Chuck Cardiff and her father Tom Cardiff. Cynthia worked on the family's farm harvesting rice in the summers and graduated from Katy High School. She later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University in 1973 and was very successful in her career with Exxon Mobil and Texaco/Chevron. Cynthia loved life. She especially enjoyed antiquing, home decorating, travel and good friends. She was an avid fan of Texas music and Texas history. Cynthia shared a close and personal relationship with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She was a loving and kind daughter, sister and aunt. She was a giving person and always willing to care for her loved ones. She was loved by all who knew her. Tom would like to recognize Shandra Williams who began as a care giver and in four years became a companion and close friend. No services are planned, however, a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Please no flowers or gifts...but remember her and smile.
John David Ferguson, BBA ’74, of Plano, TX, died Oct. 5, 2019. John David was born on February 24, 1952 in Longview, Texas to Rev. John and Bernice Ferguson. He is survived by his wife, Carol; three daughters, Leslie Sanderson, Emily Baker, and Molly White; three sons-in-law, Justin Sanderson, Adam Baker, and Zachary White; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Suzanne Messersmith (Gary) and Carol Gremillion (Terry); brothers-in-law, David Ponder (Leanne), Stephen Ponder (Bliss), and Mark Ponder (Julia); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. John David is a graduate of Denver City High School and Baylor University. His entire career was spent in business, both in the corporate world and small business ownership. Above all, John David's greatest joys were serving his family and serving his church. John David served Prestonwood Baptist Church as a Trustee, Chairman of the Deacons, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, and Bible Fellowship Teacher. He also served as a Trustee for Prestonwood Christian Academy and as a founding Trustee for PCA's South Dallas school, The King's Academy. John David loved supporting the ministries of Bonton, as well as the Bill Glass Prison Ministry. John David's legacy of faith, love, and service is sure to be impactful for generations to come. His best qualities were his strength, generosity, great tenderness, and sense of humor. Throughout his battle with leukemia, John David pointed his family and friends to the faithfulness of God and the assurance he had in his salvation through Jesus Christ. He often reminded his family, "Either way this goes, I win." I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano in the Fireside Room. A memorial service will take place Friday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m., at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, with Dr. Jack Graham presiding. Memorials may be made to: Sponsor-A-Child Program Prestonwood Christian Academy 6801W. Park Blvd. Plano, Texas 75093 The King's Academy 1819 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75215.
John Alex Biggers Jr., BA ’74, age 67, of Lake Jackson, Texas, passed away on August 16, 2019. Johnny (Pogo Possum) was born to John A. Biggers and Esther M. Biggers on July 14, 1952, in Houston, TX. He was a 1970 graduate of Brazosport High School and received degrees in math (Baylor University) and Chemical Engineering (Texas A&M). Johnny worked in the Chemical and Petroleum industries until his retirement in 2015. Johnny grew up in Lake Jackson’s early days, representing the rich history of neighborhood kids that called themselves the Palm Lanians (those who lived on Palm Lane) and Carnatians (those who lived on Carnation). He had a strong faith in Christ and grew up as a member of First Baptist Church Lake Jackson. Johnny was an Eagle Scout and loved the outdoors. He helped raise cattle with his father from a young age and continued in the ranching business until his death. Additionally, Johnny entertained the community, serving in the area Clown’s Guild as “Mud Bug” the clown, alongside his mother known as “Sunny Honey.” He was also a part of Toastmasters and was an auctioneer. Johnny was a member of First Baptist Church La Marque. Johnny Biggers is preceded in death by his parents John A Biggers, Sr., and Esther M. Biggers and his brother Eddie Biggers. Johnny is survived by his sisters, Barbara Krenek (Ron) and Deborah Smith (David); four nieces, two nephews, and their children; and numerous relatives and friends. Serving as pallbearers are Ron Krenek, Nathan Smith, Adam Toth, Rick Geshay, Bob Bradley, and Leroy Hurta. Honorary pallbearers are Matthew Smith, Bo Landers, Jerry Esmond, and C.W. Simons. Visitation will be held at Restwood Funeral Home on Sunday, August 25, 2019, from 4pm – 6pm. Funeral services will be Monday, August 26, 2019, at 10:00 am at Restwood Funeral Home with Dr. David Smith officiating.
Vanessa Lane Hyatt-Fugate, BM ’74, age 66, of Gainesville GA, passed to glory on Wed. Aug. 14, 2019 with her husband, J. Scott Fugate at her side after a 5-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Vanessa grew up in Gainesville with her parents Elmer & Eula Mae Hyatt, owners of Lakewood variety store. She attended Gainesville High School; earned her BA in Music, Voice & Opera at Baylor University with a semester abroad in Vienna. She earned her M.A in Ethnomusicology & Multicultural Studies at Biola University; and was a Certified Vocal Technician of the McClosky Institute of Voice through Emory University. Vanessa’s career involved singing in multiple Operas & shows as a Mezzo Soprano in locales as diverse as a cabaret in Dallas, the Arizona Opera, and various Opera Houses, Educational Tours & Flamenco performances in Southern CA. She likewise performed musicals & operas at theatres & churches in Atlanta & Gainesville. In Gainesville she was best known as “The Classical Queen” on Eclectic 89.1 WBCX at Brenau University where she produced educational & entertaining Classical music broadcasts for 15 years. She was very active on the boards of the Gainesville Symphony & Gainesville Pro-Musica, as well as a popular MC at local concerts & events. For the past 24 years Vanessa has worked in Gainesville as an independent voice teacher training high school & adult students. Her life celebration service will take place at Noon this Sat., Aug. 17 at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 1397 Thompson Bridge Rd. in Gainesville, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Fractured Atlas for Southeastern Young Artists: 248 West 35th St.10th Floor New York, NY 10001. Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com. Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
Cyd Baxter Preston, BA ’74, of Athens, TX, died Sept. 26, 2019.
Bill Fuller, BBA ’75, of Fort Worth entered his eternal home peacefully Feb. 5, 2019, with his family by his side. Bill was born June 18,1953 in Miami, Florida. He graduated from Palmetto High School, where he was involved in Boy Scouts. He earned his Eagle Scout award and excelled in multiple sports while in Miami. Bill was a Baylor Bear through and through. He loved his time at Baylor, and developed many longtime friends and relationships there. Bill pursued the Human Resources/Relations avenue in the business world following his time at Baylor. He recruited top talent for various companies, and for a while managed his own firm in the DFW area. Near the end of his career, he was the Human Relations Director for several Blackmon/Mooring Companies. Bill will be forever remembered by his wife of 42 years, Eileen, and their precious children, Angela Kautz and Will Fuller, along with their spouses Hans Kautz and Frances Fuller, respectfully. He will be fondly remembered as ‘Popi’ to Sammy and Abigail Kautz, and Emmett and Liam Fuller. Bill leaves behind his dear brother Steve Fuller, and his son Blake Fuller, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, along with his beloved in-laws, Richard and Fannette Roach. He will be missed by Judy Fuller and Walter Lee of Lafayette, LA, as well as Kay Fabian of Fort Worth. Bill loved siblings Christina, Hardy, Erica, Scott, and Bonnie and countless extended family and dear friends. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 10, from 4:30-6:30 pm at Mt. Olivet Chapel, 2301 N Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76111. A Celebration of Life will be on Monday, February 11 at 1:00 pm at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Memorial donations in memory of Bill Fuller may be made to Christ Chapel Bible Church for ‘Vision 2020.’
Janie Vergara Hodgin, BSEd ’75, of Richmond, TX, died Sept. 23, 2019. She was 70. Ms. Hodgin was born August 3rd, 1949 in Port Arthur, TX to Felipe & Elvira Vergara. She was a longtime resident of Port Neches & a graduate of Port Neches, Groves High School, class of ’67. Ms. Hodgin was also a graduate of Baylor University. She pursued a career in speech education. She attended Kingsland Baptist Church & loved going on Christian mission trips, abroad. Ms. Hodgin was preceded in death by her parents and son Timothy Phillip Hodgin. She is survived by her daughter Sara Brossman, son-in-law Craig Brossman, grandson Clark Brossman of Huntsville, TX. Along with brother Mario Phillip Vergara, sister Hilda Hernandez, brother Orlando Vergara, sister Angel Hernandez, brother Roy Vergara and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, family and friends. A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, September 26th 6-8pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home of Katy, TX. A funeral service will be held 10 am, Friday, September 27th at Kingsland Baptist Church, 20555 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450. Followed by a graveside service back at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079.
Gail Eugene Hoffman, PhD ’75, of Spring City, TN, died Sept 21, 2019, at age 77. He was born on October 10, 1941 in Broughton, the son of Kenneth Delmar and Regina Helena (Wenzel) Hoffman. On August 3, 1968, he was married to JoAnn Prewitt. She preceded him in death. Gail received his Bachelor’s Degree from Pittsburgh State University and his Master’s Degree in X-Ray Scattering Spectroscopy and Doctorate Degree in Physics from Baylor University. Following college he worked as an electrical engineer for Hughes Aircraft Company. He also taught at colleges around the midwest. He later worked for Lockheed Martin as an electrical engineer for a number of years before retiring He is survived by two brothers, Fay Hoffman and wife LaDonna of Leonardville and Dean Hoffman and wife Betty of Clay Center; two nephews, Ernie Hoffman and wife Sandy of Leonardville and Kevin Hoffman and wife Ronna of Manhattan; one niece, Donna Hoffman of Clay Center; several great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews and many friends. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2019 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Friday. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Shriners Hospitals for Children and contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Kathy Marie Woods, BSEd ’75, ended her lengthy battle against cancer in Katy, Texas, on September 28, 2019. While our hearts are extremely heavy because we no longer have this beautiful, strong, intelligent, and caring woman in our lives, we are thankful that her pain has ended, and she has found peace. She was born August 30, 1954, in Waco, Texas, to the late Jim Bill and Rita Reid. She attended Baylor University, where she first met her two great life loves — husband of 44 years, Mike Woods, and the passion for educating children. After graduating, Kathy pursued a career in elementary education. She spent 36 years teaching children in the Dallas and Arlington Independent School Districts. She retired in 2011 to help care for her family. Kathy was a dedicated mother and quintessential “Mimi” who cherished her two children (who she talked to daily) and her beloved grandchildren. Kathy is survived by her husband, Mike Woods; her daughter, Kelly Marie Beatty of Houston, Texas; her son and his wife, Michael and Keenan Woods of Falls Church, Virginia; brother and his wife, James and Carol Reid of Conroe; and five treasured grandchildren: Jackson Maxwell Beatty, Scarlett Marie Beatty, Rylan Marie Woods, Emerie Elizabeth Woods, and one on the way, Baylor Thomas Reid Woods. Please join us for a viewing 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd. in Waco. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 3, at China Spring Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Dravet Syndrome Foundation as these were charitable organizations dear to her heart. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
Fred Madison Randall, MHA ’77, of Dallas died Oct. 13, 2019 at age 75. Fred was born in Beatrice, NE on January 13, 1944. Fred is survived by his loving wife Olivia, son Josh, wife Melanie, son Vincent, brother Dan and wife Karen, 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. After completing a Bachelors degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, he received a Masters degree from the University of Oklahoma and also a Masters degree from Baylor University. His desire to serve those less fortunate led him to work for the United States Public Health Service where he achieved the Navy rank of Captain. Fred served on the board of directors for the Bethlehem Center and also Wesley Rankin Center. He was an active member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church, volunteering in several ministries of the church. What you did not know about Fred is how much he enjoyed sharing the story of when he ran high hurdles in high school lining up beside Gale Sayers (former running back for the Chicago Bears). We know who won the race. Fred also obtained his pilot's license while attending graduate school at the University of Oklahoma. The family requests donations made in the honor of Fred Randall to The Munger Place UMC Benevolence Fund, 5200 Bryan Street, Dallas, TX 75206 or VNA/Hospice of Texas, 1600 Viceroy, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75235. The memorial service is Thursday, October 24, 2019, 11:00 at Munger Place Church at part of Highland Park United Methodist Church, 5200 Bryan Street, Dallas, TX 75206.
Dr. Tommy Davidson, BSEd ’79, MSEd ’81, of Gatesville, TX, died Oct. 11, 2019. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at Coryell Community Church in Gatesville, with Dr. Levi Price officiating. Tommy was born on March 21, 1956, in El Paso, Texas, to Cotton and Carolyn Mabery Davidson. He was raised in Gatesville and graduated from Gatesville High School in 1974. Tommy attended Baylor University where he played football and received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees. Shortly after, Tommy earned his PhD from Texas A&M University followed by his Doctorate of Chiropractics from Los Angeles Chiropractic College. Dr. Davidson returned to Gatesville to practice chiropractics in both Gatesville and Valley Mills where he served these communities for over thirty years. During that time, Dr. Davidson played a number of roles within the community including positions on the Gatesville City Council, Trustee of Gatesville I.S.D., and was the athletic trainer to both Gatesville High School and Valley Mills High School athletics. Dr. Davidson also served as the team chiropractor for Baylor University athletics for the last decade. He was a coach and mentor to many athletes within the community—from the little to the big league. Dr. Davidson is survived by his wife, Nina Davidson; three children, Dr. Casey Davidson and wife, Ericka, Claire and husband, Gable, and Will and fiancée, Jasmine Martin; parents, Cotton and Carolyn Davidson; sisters, Kelly Wood and husband, Dr. Greg Wood, Tracy Sage and husband, Randy; brother, Dr. Ty Davidson and wife, Sam; grandchildren, Kate and Lily Davidson. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to be made to the Gatesville Boys and Girls Club, 2533 E. Main Street, Gatesville, TX 76528.
Keith Milton Fletcher, JD ’79, of Houston died Aug. 13, 2019, beloved husband, son, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 63, moving from life to Life, at MD Anderson Cancer Center after a brief but intense battle with lymphoma. Keith was born to Becky and Roy Fletcher (both now deceased) in Corpus Christi, TX. He was one of four brothers - Howard (deceased), Gary, of Nitro, WV, and Robert, of Lancaster, CA. Roy worked for Ford Motor Company, and so the family moved throughout Texas, eventually settling in Houston. Keith graduated from Sharpstown High School and attended Houston Baptist University, where he received a BA in economics. During college, he met the love of his life, Lane Ferrero, while on a backpacking trip to New Mexico. They were married in 1978 and moved to Waco while Keith completed law school at Baylor. Upon completing his JD in 1979, Keith and Lane returned to Houston, where Keith landed his first - and only - job as an attorney. The firm, then known by a different name, soon grew, and with Keith's ascendance to partner, was re-named as Simmons and Fletcher, as it is known today. Keith and Lane raised four children in the Memorial neighborhood of Houston - Travis (married to Jill Daniels of Gig Harbor, WA, with grandchildren Will, Hadley, and Amelia), James (engaged to Bianca Cedrone of Austin, TX), Chris (married to Jacqueline Teoh of Houston, TX), and Elizabeth (married to James Wiseman of Austin, TX, with granddaughter Josephine). Their life together as a family was surrounded by cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, adventures in camping and exploring around Texas, and investing in their community of faith. Keith was also involved with the Big Brothers - Big Sisters program in Houston and was invested in his 'little brother' Chris Callegari all throughout his life. For the entire family, our grief is a measure of our gratitude. Keith was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and yet all of his allegiances began and ended with his devotion to Jesus Christ. He never came to a task or responsibility half-heartedly, but also kept a light touch in his work, study, service, parenting, and relationships. Keith was a teacher of the Bible, a leader in his community, and someone whose influence in the legal and non-profit communities remained effectual until the very end. Several weeks before his passing, Keith was speaking and leading men at the Terrell Prison Unit through the ministry of Kairos International. The family invites everyone who knew and loved Keith to gather with us at St. Philip Presbyterian Church (4807 San Felipe Street, Houston, TX 77056) for a Service to the Witness of the Resurrection on Saturday, August 17 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Kairos Prison Ministry International, Presbyterian Mo Ranch Assembly, and The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society of Houston. The family would also encourage donations to the blood bank at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Michael Alan Humphreys, MM ’79, of Normal, IL, died Aug. 1, 2019. Michael was born Oct. 10, 1954, in Tulsa, Okla. He is survived by his mother, Marcia Humphreys, Tulsa, Okla.; three children, Adam Humphreys (Mandy), Bloomington; Audra Wilkinson (Rob), Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Alyssa Cress (Adam), Saint Joseph, Mo.; six grandchildren, Danica Wilkinson, Camden Wilkinson, Declan Cress, Hazel Humphreys and two grandchildren expected later this year; two sisters, Nancy Sullins, Tulsa, Okla., and Susan Richardson, Sarasota, Fla.; and one brother, David Humphreys, Tulsa, Okla. Michael retired in 2016 from Illinois State University as a distinguished professor in the College of Business. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Humphreys, and his beloved dog, Pepper. Visitation will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 4:30 p.m.