Bobby Ray Wilkinson

Submitted by Cameron1 on

Bobby Ray Wilkinson, 85, of Branchville, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, in a Temple hospital. 

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron with Rev. Geoff Lightsey officiating.  Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bob was born Dec. 29, 1931, in Branchville to James A and Betty Virginia (Francis) Wilkinson.  He graduated from CH Yoe High School in 1949, went to TCU for one year, and was drafted by the New York Giants baseball club. He played one year for their minor league team in Muskogee, Okla., as a pitcher.  He later worked for Dow Chemical and Alamo Trucking, after which he worked for Merchants Fast Motor Lines where he retired as Terminal Manager of their Freeport terminal in 1993. 

His favorite activities included time with his family, deer and bird hunting, fishing, umpiring baseball and softball, and playing dominoes with friends.  Bob and Kay moved to Maysfield in 1997, and Bob continued most activities in retirement, including maintaining their two-acre homestead.  He was a member of Maysfield Methodist Church and was on the Board of Trustees.

Bob was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters: Virginia, James Jr. (Buck), Louise, Erline, Richard and Joyce. 

He is survived by: his wife of 20 years, Kay Wilkinson of Branchville; son, Doug Wilkinson and wife Paulanna of Houston; daughters, Debbie Behling and husband Richard of Sugarland, Pam Vaught and husband Karl of San Antonio, Carol Gilbrech and husband Tony of Houston; step-son, Eddie Horn of Austin; step-daughter, Debbie Hair of Austin; sisters                                        Marjorie Jolly of Houston and Pat Moraw and husband Charles of Cameron; and brother-in-law, Charles Ellis of Cameron. Seven grandchildren also survive, David and Rachel Armendariz; Travis, Tyler, and Austin Vaught; and Trent and Isaac Wilkinson; alonw with one great-grandson, Brandon Armendariz; two step-grandchildren, Kelly Bridges and Adam Hair; and two step-great-grandchildren, Bowen and Bristol Bridges.

Memorials may be made to Maysfield United Methodist church in Maysfield.

Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home of Cameron is in charge of arrangements.