Ray D. Botsford
April 9, 1926 - January 15, 2010

Anna, TX - Ray D. Botsford went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 15, 2010.  He was born April 9, 1926 to Bert and Nettie Loftice Botsford near Melissa, TX.  His childhood was spent near Melissa, Anna and Van Alstyne, TX.  In 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country proudly during WWII.  On February 1, 1952, he married Ora Maye Fifer in the First Christian Church of Van Alstyne.  He was an accountant and spent the majority of his career with J.C. Penney Co., retiring in 1986 after 30 years of dedicated service.  In his retirement years, Ray enjoyed golfing, traveling, gardening, and grandkids.  He and Ora Maye have been active members of the First Christian Church of Van Alstyne.  In addition to his church service, Ray volunteered with several communnity organizations.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Roy, brother Obie, and sister Neva Littrell.  His survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ora Maye; his daughter Gail Purkaple & husband Jerry of Ponca City, OK; his son Dale & wife Paula of Lufkin, TX; 5 grandchildren, Lisha & Matt Flaniken of Lubbock, TX, Terese & Michael Cox of Arkadelphia, AR, Brent Purkaple of Oklahoma City, OK, Caleb Botsford and Sarah Botsford of Lufkin, TX; also, 4 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Haylee & Andrew Flaniken and Nathaniel Cox.  He is also survived by 2 sisters, Ona Majors of McKinney, TX, and Mary  Murrey of Cedar Hill, TX, plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials can be made in his name to First Christian Church, P.O. Box 606, Van Alstyne, TX 75495 or Van Alstyne Senior Center, P.O. Box 1371, Van Alstyne, TX 75495.