In Memoriam
Mary Virginia Thompson Cadbury, ’38, of Hanover, NH, died Feb. 24 at age 101. In 1936, she moved to Philadelphia and graduated from Peirce Business School. In 1940, she married B. Bartram Cadbury. During 25 years in Farmington, CT, she was administrative assistant in Miss Porter’s School and conservation chair of the Farmington Garden Club. In 1974, they retired to Cushing, ME, where Cadbury became a member of the Guild of the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, the Cushing Historical Society and the Mid-Coast Audubon Society. Among her survivors are two daughters, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mary Baines Sheeran, BA ’42, of Bay City, TX, died Feb. 23 at age 96. She graduated from Palacios [TX] High School. Sheeran earned a graduate degree from the University of Houston and was married to Arthur Sheeran.
Florence Elizabeth Brown Foley, BBA ’43, of Alpine, TX, died Feb. 26 at age 95. The Sanderson [TX] High School valedictorian worked for railroad companies during World War II. Later Foley worked in New Mexico, Colorado and New York City and traveled to five continents. She married petroleum engineer Edward Foley. They lived in Venezuela before moving back to Alpine. Foley was an officer of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Alpine Public Library, Sunshine House and others. She was a leader at First Baptist Church of Alpine and a benefactor of Baptist groups, including Baylor. Among her survivors are her children Denis Foley, ’78, Nina Foley and Patrick Foley, BBA ’83, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Hazel Ruth Bell Kuszmaul, BA ’43, of Homer, AK, died March 15 at age 96. At age 16, she was churning butter on her family’s back porch when a photographer for the National Park Service snapped her picture. The photograph became an iconic image of the 1930s. Kuszmaul, valedictorian of Cosby [TN] High School, graduated from Mars Hill [NC] College and raised three daughters between Baltimore and Newport, TN. The wife of a Baptist minister, she was a 40-year teacher and helped start many churches in the Baltimore-Washington area. In her later years, she lived in Coatesville and Atglen, PA, before moving to Alaska. She was preceded in death by husband of 68 years, Rev. Charles Kuszmaul, BA ’43. Survivors include daughter Marcia Kuszmaul, BA ’74, six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a brother.
Thomas P. Moore Jr., JD ’43, of Waco, who practiced law for almost 70 years, died April 16 at age 98. The lifelong Waco resident was a McLennan County District Attorney from 1952 to 1959 and State Representative from 1967 to 1972. He served in the Army during World War II. He served several notable cases, including the first televised trial in Texas history in 1955. Moore was in private practice from 1960 to 1914. By 2009, he was the only lawyer allowed to appear in court without a tie. Moore was a proponent of civil rights, supporter of organized labor, and believer in the importance of open government and equal access to power of all citizens. He served as a vestryman at St. Albans and Holy Spirit and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. His wife Natalie died in 1982. Moore is survived by his wife of almost 33 years, Robbie, MSEd ’86, and four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Rev. James Arthur Wray, BA ’43, of Katy, TX, 94, died Jan. 23 at age 94. After Baylor, he earned a degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served as pastor of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Houston and B.H. Carroll Memorial in Fort Worth. Wray was the director of Baptist Students at Stephen F. Austin before moving to Beaumont, TX, where he was director of the Baptist Student Union and Bible department chair from 1957 until 1983. He then taught for 10 years at the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center in Jefferson [TX] County. Wray was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Alice Wray, and daughter Susan Wray. Among his survivors are his sister Beverly Morrison, BA ’49, daughters Melanie and Amy, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mary Cunningham Boone, ’44, of Austin died April 28 at age 94. Mary met her husband Arthur Boone II, BA ’43, at Baylor. Following World War II, he founded Frostex Foods in Austin, and she taught elementary school. They had three children. She loved her Westwood Tennis League, her bridge group and Hyde Park Baptist Church. She volunteered at The Junior Helping Hand Home for Children and The Settlement Home for Children.
Mary E. Campbell, BSN ’46, of Katy, TX, died Nov. 6, 2016, at age 92. She was in Class of 1945, but due to tuberculosis two weeks before graduation, she was not able to graduate with her class. She was a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps and spent her career dedicated to nursing in Oklahoma and Texas. She loved gardening and volunteering with her church in Houston. She was married to Roy Campbell for 56 years. They had four sons and three grandchildren.
Carolyn Ellis Winters, BA ’46, of Waco died Sept. 18, 2014, at age 89. She was a member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church. Winters was also a longtime volunteer for Meals On Wheels and the Latin American Christian Center. She was a member of the Mary Milam Garden Club, Delta Zeta Sorority, P.E.O. and the Shakespeare Club. Among her survivors are her husband Walter C. Winters, two children, brother Dick Ellis, BA ’49, MD ’52, and five grandchildren.
Charles B. McGregor, BA ’47, LLB ’48, of Waco died March 11 at age 92 in Katy,TX. He was a high school state champion in debate. McGregor was a pilot instructor for the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and graduated first in his class from Baylor Law School. McGregor was a Baylor Law professor, president of Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, president of Security Tires and a partner with the Beard and Kultgen and the McGregor and White law firms. He served on numerous boards including Hillcrest Hospital and Baylor. McGregor was a member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school for over 30 years. He was a charter member of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston. Among his survivors are his wife of 62 years, Peggy McGregor, ’50; four children including Becky Adkins, ’72, and Ellen White, BA ’81; brother, Joel McGregor Jr.; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor University Law School Scholarship Fund.
Kathryn “Kitty” Moore Turner, BA ’47, of Temple, TX, died March 8 at age 93. A high school valedictorian, she attended Ouachita University in Arkadelphia, AR, before marrying J. Platt Turner Jr., BBA ’47, in 1947. They were charter members of Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston and later members of First Baptist Church of Temple. Turner was Distinguished Baylor Woman of the Year in 2001. Among her survivors are daughters Mary K. Conner, BSEd ’75, and Martha Conley, BBA ’83; four grandchildren, including Emily Ferrell, BA ’05, MSW ’06, and Jonathan Conner, BA ’08; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baylor’s Truett Seminary.
Mary Louise Mayers Sheehan, BA ’47, of Dallas died Feb. 11 at age 90. She was a teacher, mentor, tutor and missionary. Sheehan was an advocate for education and earned a graduate degree from West Texas State University. In addition to teaching in high school and in the gifted and talented program, she taught English as a second language at Park Cities Baptist Church and in China. Sheehan was preceded in death by her husband, Judge William Sheehan, LLB ’51. Among her survivors are her five children, including Margaret, BA ’71, and John, ’78; siblings Robert Mayers, BA ’53, and Margarett Whilden, BA ’48; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Joe Alex Brownfield, ’49, of Waco died March 29 at age 93. Brown- eld enrolled at Texas A&M University, then fought in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He married Billie Hayhurst in 1946, and they moved to Waco. They had three children and were members of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Brownfield was an accomplished aviator. After working as an engineer, he founded Waco Construction Inc. (WCI) in 1953. Over 50 years, WCI built many facilities, including the Moody Memorial Library and the Ferrell Center at Baylor, the Health and Physical Education Center at McLennan Community College, and the 1-million-square-foot Levi Strauss & Co. (now Coca- Cola) distribution center, which was constructed in only 12 months and was the largest of its kind when built. Brown eld was a past president of the Association of General Contractors of Texas and served on the board of directors of the Association of General Contractors of America. He supported many charitable causes. The Joe Troy Brownfield Room at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum was built by the Brownfields, and they helped restore the historic East Terrace House. He was preceded in death by his son Joe Troy Brownfield. Among his survivors are his wife of 70 years, Billie Brownfield; daughters Sally Dunn, BBA ’76, and Scherry Edens, BA ’69; five grandchildren, including John Mabry Jr., BA ’92, JD ’95, David Edens, BA ’97, and Erik Edens, ’96; five great-grandchildren and one brother.
Betty Jane Ellis Ritter, BA ’48, MSEd ’51, of Bryan, TX, died Jan. 14, 2016, at age 92. During World War II, she served as a pharmacist mate 3C in Melbourne, FL, where she met her husband John Ritter, a Navy pilot. She was a charter member of The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc. Ritter was an elementary school librarian and a pre-kindergarten teacher in Fort Worth ISD. Among her survivors are three children, including Lisa Blessing, BSN ’78; brother Dr. Dick Ellis, BS ’49, MD ’52; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Gene Miller Williams, BA ’49, of Covington, GA, died Dec. 18, 2016, at age 89. He founded Williams Ministries in 1959 and led over 1,100 church revivals and hundreds of evangelistic meetings overseas. He taught evangelism and missions at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in the early 1970s and served as president of Luther Rice Seminary from 1982 to 1992. He was a member of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and was elected to the Hall of Faith of Southern Baptist Evangelists in 2008. Williams also wrote seven books, including the daily devotional Give Us This Day. In his latter years, he devoted himself to preaching, writing and watching televised Baylor games, especially Lady Bear basketball. His survivors include his grandson, Judson Williams, BA ’05.
Rev. William H. “Bill” Horick, BA ’50, of Temple, TX, died March 27 at age 92. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and married Patricia Ruth “Patsy” Faulk in 1953. Horick graduated from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology in 1956. He was a United Methodist minister for churches in Central Texas and later was a member of First United Methodist Church in Temple and the American Legion. Among his survivors are his wife, two sons, including Wilson R. “Randy” Horick, BA ’79, a brother and three grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Baylor School of Music.
Frances Youngblood Narramore, BA ’50, of Greenville, TX, died Feb. 8, 2015, at age 84. She was a teacher in Brownsville, TX, before returning to Greenville in 1953. Narramore was a longtime Bible, Sunday school and ESL teacher of First Baptist Church Greenville. She was instrumental in establishing the church’s Hispanic ministry. Frances and her husband returned each fall for many years to South Padre Island, TX. Among her survivors are her husband of 64 years, David E. “Toby” Narramore, BBA ’50; children Rebecca Kobylecky, BA ’75, BS ’77, MS ’81, Jaynie Ringman, BS ’76, Cathleen Narramore and David Narramore Jr., BBA ’82; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth “Betty” Harrington Stranz, BA ’50, of Plano, TX, died Aug. 22, 2016, at age 87. She received her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Stranz’s great-great-grandfather, father and husband were all pharmacists at Harrington’s Pharmacy in downtown Plano. Betty and her mother handled bookkeeping responsibilities and both worked the front counter as soda jerks when needed. She served with the Friends of the Plano Public Library and helped co-author the book, Plano, The Early Years. Stranz was involved in the federal Head Start program to help underprivileged children in Tennessee and Virginia. A social worker, she worked to rehabilitate prisoners in Richmond, VA, and served as admissions director for Juliette Fowler Communities in Dallas. She was active in music a member of First Baptist Church Plano. Among her survivors are her husband of 66 years, Art Stranz, BA ’49, four children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Martha Jean Beasley, BA ’51, of San Augustine, TX, died April 13 at age 86. She was a special education teacher with Nederland [TX] ISD until her retirement in 1982, when the Beasleys moved to San Augustine. Beasley was a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church San Augustine for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Harold Beasley. Survivors include three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Patricia “Pat” Rudd Jackson, BA ’51, of Kerrville, TX, died April 22 at age 87. In 1949, she transferred from Emporia [KS] State Teacher’s College to Baylor, where she met her husband William Maurice Jackson Jr., BA ’52, MD ’56. Jack- son taught school in Lovington, NM, and Houston. After William spent 10 years in the Army, the couple moved to Kerrville in 1967, where he practiced general surgery until his death in 1981. Pat, who was Presbyterian, raised four children while volunteering in the community. She is survived by her children Elizabeth Jackson-D’Ambrosi, Sue Alice Shay, William Wingate Jackson, BSEd ’85, David Rudd Jackson, and nine grandchildren.
Rev. Roger W. Maslin, MA ’51, of Melbourne, FL, died April 15 at age 92. He also held degrees from Wheaton College in Illinois, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored in Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina and Florida, where he led building programs at churches in Daytona Beach, Dunedin and Sanford. He wrote A Manual on the Millennium, Dealing With the Difficult and Think on These Things, and three e-books. His wife of 68 years, Martha Maslin, predeceased him. Survivors include two children, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
William H. “Bill” Yowell, LLB ’51, of Killeen, TX, died Feb. 6 at age 88. He left Texas A&M University and served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 before attending Baylor Law School. Yowell was a city councilman, commander of VFW Post 9192, founding president of Central Texas Homebuilders Association, president of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and president of the Killeen Riding and Roping Club. He served on the board of the University of Central Texas. A lifetime member of the State Bar of Texas, he served as a director and chair of the legislative committee of the Lumberman’s Association of Texas. Yowell helped gain county approval to build the Bell [TX] County Expo Center, where he served on the board. He was president of the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District #1, and he served in many other capacities. Yowell operated Gross-Yowell Lumber Co. in Killeen from 1951 to 1979 and was also involved in banking, real estate and ranching. He received the Man of the Year in Agriculture award presented by the Texas Extension Agents Association in 1991. Yowell was president of the parish council at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 2009, he was awarded the Lumen Gentium service award by the Catholic Diocese of Austin. Among his survivors are his wife of 65 years, Jonnie Lou, two daughters, a grandson and two great-granddaughters.
Bonnie Jean Griffith Goodwin, BM ’52, of Fort Worth died April 9 at age 87. She attended Belhaven University in Mississippi and Baylor, then completed post-graduate study at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. She taught fifth grade and private piano lessons while living in Dallas. Goodwin was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where she created a Bible Olympics memory and recitation program for the elementary grades. Among her survivors are her husband of 57 years, Donald Goodwin, BS ’49, and daughters Mary Humes, BA ’85, Miriam Goodwin, BBA ’85, and Susan Milatovic.
Dr. Ovid L. Bayless, BA ’53, MA ’59, of Jonesboro, AR, died April 19 at age 85. He earned his doctorate at Denver University. Bayless served in the Air Force, retiring in 1974. He spent another 20 years as the chair of speech communications and dramatic arts for Arkansas State University, where he also was the voice of the Lady Indians. Bayless was preceded in death by his wife Esther A. Bayless, son Dr. William Scott Bayless, BBA ’76, and a great-granddaughter. Survivors include two daughters, two siblings, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Kenneth Lee Fox, BA ’53, MA ’59, of Robinson, TX, died Jan. 5 at age 90. He served in the Army in Japan following World War II. While a student at Baylor, he was office manager for Triple-X Root beer. Fox obtained his CPA license and worked with the accounting firm of Patillo and Wilcox in Waco and later with W.O. Ligon in Fort Worth. He earned his PhD from the University of Illinois and joined the faculty at Louisiana Tech University, Texas Tech University and Kansas State University, where he retired as a professor emeritus in 1988. Fox published a textbook and co-authored others, along with several other publications. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Department of Accounting at Kansas State. While in Manhattan, KS, Fox was active in the community and at College Heights Baptist Church. He was a visiting professor of accounting at Baylor in 1982-83. Among his survivors are his wife of 64 years, Beth Fox, BA ’54, three children including Terry Fox, BA ’86, MA ’88, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Charles “Chuck” Spangler Jr., BA ’53, of Roanoke, VA, died Jan. 24 at age 90. He held executive positions in human resources with several major corporations, including Phillips Petroleum, Miles Laboratories, JC Penney, Celanese Chemical and Honeywell. Spangler was a deacon, taught Bible classes and was chair of building expansion projects at several Southern Baptist churches. Among his survivors are his wife of 63 years, Shirley Bennen Spangler, BA ’52, four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Judge Clyde Emerson Whiteside, JD ’53, of Wichita Falls, TX, died March 2 at age 89. He served in the Navy and at age 21, he was elected to the State Legislature, 113th District (Baylor, Haskell and Throckmorton counties). He presided over the committees passing the Colson-Briscoe Farm-to-Market Road law for Texas farmers and ranchers. Whiteside established a law office in Seymour, TX. He served as Baylor County Attorney, then was the district attorney for the 50th Judicial District before moving to Austin with his wife Clarice Benton Whiteside and their two children, Joe and Cecilia. He served as a chair of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole and then moved to Nocona, TX, where he became judge of the 97th District Court. He presided in more than 40 district courts as an assigned district judge for over 23 years. In 2013, he established the Whiteside Museum of Natural History in Seymour. He raised cattle for 40 years and invested in oil properties. Whiteside is survived by a son Joe Whiteside, BS ’87, MS ’90, a daughter, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Rev. Bill J. Williamson, BA ’53, of Rochester, MN, died Feb. 19 at age 86. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served as a pastor and chaplain in Texas before becoming pastor of Rochester’s Emmanuel Baptist Church and chaplain at Mayo Clinic Hospitals in 1960. Williamson founded Valley Baptist Church in Winona, MN, and served as director of missions in Pioneer-Western Baptist Associations. He then became director of chaplaincy/minister of church relations and chaplain at Mayo Clinic Hospitals until 1992, when he retired. Survivors include his wife Sarah Pitschmann Williamson, BA ’53; children Richard L. Williamson, BA ’76, David Williamson, BS ’79, MBA ’81, Gail E. Williamson and Daniel Williamson, BBA ’89; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Shirley Ann Bishop, BA ’54, of Houston died April 21 at age 84. She met her husband Cecil Bishop Jr., BBA ’54, at Baylor, and they married in 1954. Both were avid Baylor football fans. They traveled the world, exploring more than 60 countries and all 50 states. Bishop was a member of Second Baptist Church. Among her survivors are her daughters Susan and Alison, BBA ’82, and two grandchildren.
William “Bill” James Harlan, BBA ’55, of Waco, and founder of the Baylor Student Foundation, died April 7 at age 84. While a Baylor student, he enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1953 in the 420th Engineering Brigade and entered active duty in 1955. He was discharged from the Army Reserve after nine years and entered the Navy the next day, ultimately completing 25 years of military service. He became Baylor Development’s director of administrative services in 1964. In 1969, he formed Student Foundation, a group that recruits high school students, raises scholarship money and represents the university. After retiring from Baylor in 2000, he worked for Bird-Kultgen Ford and Allen Samuels Chevrolet. For 30 years, Harlan worked in the college department of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, where he brought 25 dozen donuts each Sunday. He often volunteered through the church and with United Way. Among his survivors are his wife of 61 years, Nancy Smith Harlan, children Lee Lowe and Scott Harlan, BS ’85, MS ’90, and a granddaughter. Memorials may be made to the Bill and Nancy Harlan Student Foundation Scholarship Fund at Baylor.
Richard Clayton, BA ’55, of Woodland Hills, CA, died March 11. He was known in Fort Worth and Los Angeles for his children’s programming featuring a puppet show called The Mickey and Amanda Show. Clayton touched the lives of many area children and often would make private visits to terminally ill children. He was an accomplished professional photographer. Among his survivors are his wife Joyce and stepdaughters.
Robert Ray “Bob” Holbrook, BA ’55, of San Antonio died March 2 at age 85. He pastored several churches over 40 years, including the last 16 in San Antonio where he pastored at Harlandale Baptist before starting a nondenominational church. Holbrook co-founded Baptists for Life in 1973, one of the earliest Baptist pro-life organizations, and he testified before Congress that year. He counseled and ministered many people for decades. Among his survivors are his wife of 60 years, Pat, BA ’56, his children Melanie McBroom, BSEd ’79, Mark Holbrook, BBA ’81, Lisa Smith, BSEd ’84, David Holbrook, BSES ’86, Holly Keener, BSEd ’87, Amy Lansford and Brad Holbrook, BA ’03, 11 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
Richard Carlisle Waddell, BBA ’55, of Odessa, TX, died Feb. 5 at age 87. His time in Waco was twice interrupted by his service in the Navy during the Korean War. Waddell was a deacon of Belmont Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church Odessa. He maintained perfect attendance the Odessa Rotary Club for nearly 50 years. Waddell was an original board member of the Odessa Boys Club and was awarded the Community Service Award for Ranching by the Heritage of Odessa Foundation. Among his survivors are his wife of 63 years, Nell Seymour Waddell, BA ’52, daughters Mary Waddell, BSEd ’77, and Jeanell Spearman, BBA ’81, four grandchildren and half-sister Lolisa Waddell Laenger, BA ’56.
Argye Idell Briggs Hillis, a longtime Waco resident, died April 29 at age 83. In Bartlesville, OK, she met her husband, Dr. William “Bill” Daniel Hillis, BS ’53, whom she married in 1952. She shared with Bill an adventurous life of science, medicine and family, as they travelled across the world, living in Baltimore; Copenhagen, Denmark; San Antonio; Covington, LA; St. Johns, FL; the Congo; Calcutta, India; Waco and finally Austin. Hillis suspended her college studies to help support Bill through medical school and to start a family. She raised three children in the Congo during a revolution and later in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Hillis earned a degree in mathematics at Towson [MD] State University and a PhD from Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University. She became the chief statistician for an important study on the treatment of blindness, and she developed a national reputation for her insights in medical mathematics, particularly in the eld of ophthalmology. She was a member of Baltimore’s Seventh Baptist Church, an inner city church with active programs in community issues. After their children had left for college, Argye and Bill returned to inner-city Baltimore to help revitalize the area around Johns Hopkins Hospital. They purchased an abandoned house from the city for $1 and renovated it. They lived there, near the hospital, while both worked
at Johns Hopkins. In 1981, they moved to Waco, and she became director of Biostatistical Research at Scott & White Hospital. There, she helped plan and execute a wide range of medical research stud- ies. She also worked with the National Institutes of Health to advise medical studies throughout the nation. In Waco, she was a member of Seventh and James Baptist Church, and she guided a magazine called Seeds to help fight world hunger. In 2012, Argye and Bill moved to Austin. Among her survivors are her husband, children William Daniel “Danny,” David Mark, BS ’80, and Argye Elizabeth “Beth” and six grand- children. Memorials may be made to the William Hillis Scholars in Biomedical Science Program in Baylor’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Harold Clinton Cobb Jr., BBA ’56, of Waco died Feb. 6 at age 83. He went to TCU on a football scholarship before graduating from Baylor, when he joined the Air Force and served as a flight instructor. He became an agent for Great Southern Life Insurance, where he was a company leader in the longest continuous run for any general agent in Great Southern history. He traveled the world and developed, owned and operated the Snapee convenience stores throughout Waco. For 30 years, Cobb ran a Snapee together with his son until 2015. He also owned a ranch. Cobb attended the first and last games at Floyd Casey Stadium and many in between. Cobb was a long-time member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. He and his first wife, Marilyn Smith, had three children. Among his survivors are his wife, Alena, and two children including his son, Robert, BA ’87.
Marjorie Ann Davis Prigmore, BA ’56, of Dallas died March 4 at age 81. She was married to Richard Prigmore, BA ’57, LLB ’59, from 1957 until his death in 1975. The couple moved to Brownfield, TX, where he practiced law for 10 years before moving to Midland, TX, where she was president of the Republican Women’s Club and was a member of the American Association of University Women. As a 35-year cancer survivor, Prigmore volunteered for the Reach to Recovery Program of the American Cancer Society. She also managed the Mid-America office building, was office manager for Ballet Midland and later became the southwest regional manager for Claydesta Communications. After moving back to Dallas, she worked for the Zale Foundation for 22 years, retiring in 2012. She is survived by three children, including Jana Ferguson, BBA ’85, and Rick Prigmore, BBA ’90, and three grandchildren.
Hollis A. Biddle, ’57, of Waco, veteran newspaper sports writer, died March 13 at age 81. While Biddle worked as a copy boy for the Waco Tribune-Herald, newspaper owner Harlan Fentress decided to grant Biddle the first Fentress Foundation scholarship to Baylor. Biddle worked at the newspaper for a record 55 years before retiring in 2007. Sports editor Dave Campbell moved Biddle into the sports department, where he became assistant sports editor. In 1963, he married the former Ethel Breitkreutz of Riesel. Biddle helped begin Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine. For decades, Biddle helped plan each issue and was in charge of the Trib’s annual selection of the Super CenTex football team. He and Campbell prepared The Baylor Insider for years. In 1983, Biddle moved to the marketing department. He was preceded in death by his daughter Anjanette, BBA ’06. He is survived by his wife Ethel, a son and grandchildren.
Jerry Allen Caddell, BA ’57, of Lawton, OK, died Jan. 22. He was 82. He played varsity tennis at Hardin-Simmons University before his time at Baylor. Caddell served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1952 to 1960 and was on active duty for two years. He began his career in radio and broadcasting at KWAB-TV and KBST Radio in Big Spring, TX, and KMOD-TV in Midland, TX. He owned and operated KFNE-FM in Big Spring then began and managed KLAW-FM in Lawton, OK. He purchased the Muzak franchise for southwest Oklahoma in 1966 and managed Lawton Business Music until 2000. A deacon of First Baptist Church Lawton, he began the radio and TV ministry in 1965 and sang in the choir. Among his survivors are his wife of 59 years, Darlene Bobo Caddell, BS ’57, daughters Cheryl Shippey, BBA ’81, and Brenda Woll, BS ’83, son Mark Caddell, BA ’85, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother Max Caddell, and sister-in- law Sandra Karnes, BA ’60.
Dr. Edward Perry Carroll, BM ’57, of Anderson, SC, professor emeritus of music at Anderson University and conductor emeritus of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, died April 29. He was 82. Carroll served eight years in the U.S. Air Force as a trombonist in the band program, based in Louisiana, Nebraska and Spain. He earned a master’s from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He taught at Anderson University from 1975 to 2001. A co-founder of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, he directed the Electric City Swing Band. He was a deacon of Boulevard Baptist Church. Carroll was endorsed as a chaplain by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship to Civil Air Patrol, the volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. In 2012, Carroll was named squadron Chaplain of the Year. Among his survivors are his wife of 51 years, Marion Harvey Carroll, a daughter and two grandchildren.
J.D. Hudson Jr., BBA ’58, of Waco died April 5 at age 91. He served in the U.S. Navy in Okinawa and in the Philippines during World War II. A banker, Hudson became president and chair of the board at Waco’s Community Bank & Trust. He retired in 1991 but continued serving as board chair until 2017. Hudson was a Baylor Trustee from 1982 to 1990, and he chaired the committee that built the Ferrell Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church Waco, where he served as a deacon and volunteer. Among his survivors are sons Jim Hudson, BBA ’74, and David Hudson, BBA ’77, MBA ’78, and three grandchildren.
Virginia Nell Christensen Hankal, BA ’58, of Lampasas, TX, died March 10 in Hewitt, TX. She was 80. Hankal taught public school for many years in Lampasas. Sophomore English was her specialty. She retired from teaching in 2001. Hankal was a member of the Pierrian Club and a discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship in Temple. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lampasas and attended in Adamsville. Among her survivors are are husband William E. “Bill” Hankal, BBA ’58, three children including Scott Hankal, BBA ’88, and Donnis Smith, BBA ’81, MBA ’82, a brother, seven grandchildren and ve great-grandchildren.
Richard “Dick” Wayne Senter, BA ’58, of San Antonio, died April 5 at age 81. He was president of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce and also graduated from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. Senter pastored at Clairette [TX] Baptist Church, FBC Mabank [TX] and FBC Allen [TX], the latter for 27 years. He later served as interim pastor of Woodlake Baptist, Madison Hills Baptist, Baptist Temple and Churchill Baptist in San Antonio, where he was associate pastor of pastoral care and senior adults for 12 years. Senter served for many years on the board of International Crusades. He was also president of Dick Senter’s Ministries, which has supported global mission efforts for over 20 years. Among his survivors are his wife of 57 years, Judy, BA ’60, two children, including Scott Senter, BBA ’85, and four grandchildren, including Grant, BBA ’14, and Madeline, a Baylor sophomore.
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Beniteau Bell, BBA ’59, of Brownwood, TX, died March 9 at age 79. She earned a degree in accounting when women in the field were a rarity. At Baylor, she served as president of the Alpha Omega social club (now Pi Beta Phi). Bell was the first female member of the board of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business in 1973 and was honored with the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award in 1996. She earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Bell started her practice in Brownwood. She was Brown County auditor and later formed Bell & Isbell LLP. She was committee chair of the Texas Society of CPAs and the first female president of that organization’s Educational Foundation. She was named CPA of the Year in 1985 by the Abilene chapter of the TSCPA and retired in 2006. Bell was director of the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce and a charter member of the Heart of Texas Baylor Club among other activities, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of First Baptist Church Brownwood and worked with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband William Bell, BBA ’60, JD ’65, infant daughter Mary Jane and sister Cathren Shirkey, BA ’60. Among her survivors are daughters Susan Elizabeth Bell, BA ’96, and Carol Ann Bell, BA ’97, two granddaughters and sister Tommie McCollum, BA ’69.
Phyllis Bauman Dunham, BA ’59, of Waco died Feb. 13 at age 79. After teaching elementary school, she became a homemaker. Dunham taught Sunday school for over 30 years. She was on the board of Latham Springs Encampment for over 45 years and served as camp director for Girls in Action (GA) summer camp. She held leadership roles as Women’s Missionary Union associational director and as Baptist Women’s president. Among her survivors are her husband of 57 years, Cecil L. Dunham, BA ’58, daughter Susan Anz, BBA ’87, six grandchildren, including Elizabeth Anz, BA ’16, and Lauren Anz, a Baylor junior, and sister Betty Murray, BA ’56.
Larry Dean Hickman, BBA ’59, of Tyler, TX, died Feb. 10 at age 81. He sang for churches, banquets, weddings and theater productions all his life. Hickman played football at Baylor and professionally for five years. He appeared in the 1960 NFL Championship Game with the Green Bay Packers and the 1961 Canadian Football League Championship Game (Grey Cup), and he was a member of the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame. Hickman worked for Texas Power & Light, later TU Electric, in numerous cities and positions over 29 years. In 1993, Hickman retired as a district manager. He was a member of Tyler’s Marvin United Methodist Church. Hickman served as a board member or officer of dozens of community organizations such as Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, East Texas Food Bank and Hospice of East Texas. Among his survivors are his wife of more than 60 years, Shirley Hickman, two children, including their son Winn, BBA ’83, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Donald Eugene LeNeveu, BBA ’59, of Dallas died Dec. 15, 2016, at age 79. He was born March 3, 1937, in Amarillo, TX. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diann LeNeveu, and brother Jim LeNeveu, one niece, three nephews, and a number of grand-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, James Philip LeNeveu, and his mother, Ruth Mae Hutton of Amarillo. Don loved his wife and was devoted to his family, which included beloved German Shepherd dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs and Siamese cats over the years. Don also loved sports. He played baseball through high school, and as an adult had a long and fun-filled career in softball, playing for Wilshire Baptist Church in the church league as well as various city leagues, hanging up his cleats only after turning 70. After retiring, he had the opportunity to continue his sports passion by working as a guest service representative at both the Cowboys and Rangers organizations. Don was a member of the university’s business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. He started his career as a CPA with Arthur Andersen, LLP in 1959 as part of the audit practice. In 1964, he joined Dresser Industries where he served for 34 years, traveling extensively across the world to countries such as England, France, Russia, Libya, and Brazil. He retired in 1999 as Director of Financial Reporting. He has been a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Texas Society of CPAs, Institute of Management Accountants, and Financial Executives Institute. Don was also extremely patriotic and served his country as a member of the Air Force Reserves from 1959 through 1966. He most recently served at Klyde Warren Park in the Reading Room as a Guest Service staff representative, where he enjoyed interacting with park patrons and their pets, always with a smile on his face. He was very loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to Baylor University, The Hankamer School of Business Excellence Fund.
Martha Marie Barber White, BA ’59, of Sparkman, AR, died Feb. 23 at age 78. She was an accomplished pianist and received her master’s from Henderson State University in Arkansas. White taught elementary school for 25 years in Sparkman. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald Ray White, BBA ’57, two children, seven grandchildren and sister Sarah Lonquist, BA ’55.
Deanna King Johnson, BA ’61, of Cedar Hill, TX, died Nov. 8, 2016. At Baylor, she was elected to Alpha Chi as a junior and was a member of the club that became Chi Omega. Johnson was a teacher at South Oak Cliff in Dallas and at both Byrd Junior High and Duncanville (ISD) High School. She completed a master’s from Stephen F. Austin College. She retired in 1995. Among her survivors are her husband of 55 years, H.F. “Pat” Johnson, sons Randy and Doug, six grandchildren and two siblings.
Emily “Kay” Carson Anthony, BBA ’62, of Pearland, TX, died April 12 at age 77. At Baylor, she met and married her husband of 56 years, David “Wes” Anthony, BA ’60. In Houston, Anthony taught typing at Pasadena High School until their first child arrived in 1966. She complimented her husband’s music ministry at Magnolia Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Friendswood and Sagemont Church, where she played the piano and the organ and sang in the choir. They led youth choirs and mentored engaged couples. Among her survivors are her children Lorine David, ’89, David Anthony and John Anthony, BA ’94, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a sister.
Jarrene Sue Pearce Higgins, ’62, of Fresno, CA, died March 14 at age 77. She married Milton Higgins, BA ’59, and they moved to California and raised thee children. She earned her teaching degree from Sacramento [CA] State College in 1966. She fulfilled the role of pastor’s wife as a founding member of Sacramento’s Hillsdale Boulevard Baptist Church, where she worked in the youth department. In 1985, she earned a master’s from Washington State University. In 1997, she went to China to teach English and later served on the mission field in Turkey, Ireland and England. She loved Baylor Lady Bears basketball. Among her survivors are her husband, children Kathrine Cruise, BSN ’82, Milton Higgins Jr., BBA ’84, and Janneth Russell, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
James Haywood Stewart, BA ’65, of Waco died Feb. 21 in Sanibel, FL. He was 76. Stewart began his career as a realtor with Ed Ware, then formed his own company known as Jim Stewart Realtors in 1970. Stewart served as president of the Board of Realtors in 1973 and was named Realtor of the Year in 1974. He was involved in numerous civic organizations during his professional career. Stewart served as chair of the deacons and on the board of elders at Highland Baptist Church. Among his survivors are his wife Margot Jan Jones Stewart, BBA ’62, three daughters, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three siblings.
Linda Nixon Trice, ’68, of Waxahachie, TX, died April 9 at age 70. Born in Old Hickory, TN, she was a graduate of Baylor and Texas A&M University-Commerce. Trice loved helping children, having spent more than 45 years in education. She enjoyed working with children as an educator and with teachers as a Reading Recovery teacher leader through Texas Woman’s University. Among her survivors are her husband of 49 years, Phil Trice, BA ’67, two sons, including Mark Trice, BA ’93, two sisters and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Lucy.
Larry Frank Podsednik, BBA ’72, of West, TX, died April 20 at age 68. Survivors include his wife Kathy and daughters Rebecca, Rachel, BSN ’98, and Robyn.
Jeff Warren Mays, JD ’75, of Atlanta, TX, died March 10 at age 64. Before Baylor Law School, he graduated from SMU, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Mays practiced law for 42 years in Atlanta, specializing in real estate and probate law. Mays was member of Atlanta’s First United Methodist Church. In his youth, Mays played drums for a number of area rock bands. Among his survivors are his wife of 39 years, Lee Thompson Mays, BA ’77, daughter Dana Mays Septien, BA ’09, JD ’12, and two siblings including Mark Mays, BA ’75.
Terry Lynn Simmons, BBA ’77, JD ’78, of Dallas died April 3 at age 62. As an attorney, Simmons was a defender of nonprofit organizations. He worked for the Baptist Foundation of Texas and then for Thompson & Knight LLP, where he became senior partner. Simmons founded Charitable Accord and worked as the lead lobbyist and strategist in an effort to protect the interests of charities and nonprofits. In defense of the American Council on Gift Annuities, his efforts in organizing charities led to passage of federal legislation that included The Charitable Giving Protection Act of 1995 (which amended the Sherman Antitrust Act), The Philanthropy Protection Act of 1995, and The Charitable Donations Antitrust Act of 1997. Simmons, a prolific writer and speaker, was a member of the Texas, Colorado and New York state bars as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. He was named one of The Best Lawyers in America, the Top 100 Attorneys in America by Worth Magazine, and one of Texas Super Lawyers. Simmons became senior partner at Thompson & Knight. He was a deacon at Royal Lane Baptist Church and a member of Mensa and the NAACP. Among his survivors are his wife of 41 years, Karen Alexander Simmons, BBA ’78, three children, including Jordan, BA ’07, MSEd ’08, and Shannon, BSW ’14, MSW ’15, and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Baylor Law School.
Daniel “Kelly” Williams, BBA ’78, of Carrollton, TX, died Jan. 19 at age 62. He was a member of AEX ministerial fraternity, and he played football and ran track at Baylor. Williams worked the family business, Williams Delivery Service, until 1986. He was employed by Polaroid Corp. from 1986 to 1995. Then, Kelly and his brother Kyle founded their own business, TRAKK Fulfillment Inc., where Williams was CEO and president. He was a former chair of the board of elders at Community Bible Church and was commander of the AWANA program for 20 years. Among his survivors are his wife Becky, son Travis and two siblings, including Celeste Williams, BBA ’78.
Thomas J. Tom Blankenship, JD ’85, of Chalk Bluff, TX, died March 6 at age 77. He was the 1957 Temple [TX] High School valedictorian and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University. Blankenship worked for Humble Pipeline, which later became Exxon Oil. He worked as an electrical engineering instructor at TSTC for over 20 years and began practicing law in 1986. Blankenship was an avid fan of the Baylor basketball programs. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Charlotte Blankenship, and son Randy Blankenship, BS ’90. Survivors include his companion Gail Williams, daughters Debbie Hooten and Diana Gamboa, BSEd ’95, and five grandchildren.
Tiffany Jane Smith Washburn, ’96, of Monett, MO, died March 6 at age 43. She graduated from William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. For the last decade, she and her husband Justin have made their home in Monett. She is survived by her husband, children, mother and brothers.
James “Sloan” Everett, BBA ’04, of Breckenridge, TX, died March 6 while protecting his family’s cattle from a wild fire. He was 35. Everett was very active in the student ministry of the First Baptist Church Breckenridge. He enjoyed music and loved his ranch work and the wide-open spaces of Texas. Among his survivors are his wife Liesl Austin Everett, BS ’08, his daughter Scarlett, his son Samuel, and a third baby on the way, parents Jim and Teresa Everett, sisters Sarah Fowler, JD ’05, Katharine Meuli, BFA ’05, Caroline Jurgensen, BSEd ’07, Rebecca Everett and Elizabeth Everett, BA ’11, and grandparents Patrick and Drucella Thompson.
Sarah Kathryn Meinzinger, ’17, a Baylor senior from Gulfport, MS, died March 6 at age 22. She served as U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s Senate page in Washington, D.C. Meinzinger studied kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic training. She fostered over 30 dogs through the Texas Cattle Dog Rescue Association, one of which she trained as a certified service dog. She was one of only two girls to play in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Hockey League and was a member of First Baptist Church Gulfport, participating in mission trips throughout the U.S. and South America. Among her survivors are her parents Rodger and Pam Meinzinger, brothers Andrew and Alex, grandmother Sarah Berry and others.
Charles Ellis Alford of Waco died March 15 at age 95. He grew up in Chicago and joined the Army in 1942. During World War II, he fought in Europe, at times under Gen. George Patton, through the Battle of the Bulge and Berlin. As an artillery forward observer, he received the Silver Star and other citations. He helped liberate Buchenwald Concentration Camp and served on a war crimes commission following the war. He met his wife of 61 years, Goldia Brashears, at Fort Hood. Alford spent his career in the insurance industry with C.B. O’Beirne & Co. He served at Gaston Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas for 61 years before moving to Waco and joining Columbus Avenue Baptist Church. Alford was preceded in death by his wife, three siblings and a grandchild. His legacy is his three children, Sharon Sexton, BSEd ’77, David Alford, BBA ’80, JD ’82, and Marilyn Kusters, BBA ’85, and eight grandchildren.
Doris Mae Barron of Lindale, TX, died March 14 at age 92. She lived in Waco most of her life. In 1967, she began serving as a dorm mother at Baylor’s Collins Hall, where she stayed until 1991. She was “MaBear” to many girls every year and claimed them all as her daughters. Barron was a resident of the Tyler, TX, area since 2006. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl E. Barron Jr.
Albert Darrell Cobbs of Woodway, TX, died Feb. 27 at age 70. He attended Navarro [TX] Junior College and Baylor. He joined his father’s business and founded the automotive parts division of Cobbs Automotive. He was a member of the Bear Foundation and was an avid woodturner. Cobbs served his church in various capacities over 46 years. Among her survivors are his wife of 50 years, Sheryl Cobbs, daughters Carla Huggins, BFA ’90, and Sandy Williams, BA ’92, sister Darlyne Mathis and five grandchildren.
Carol Lee Corley of Woodway, TX, died March 13 at age 74. She married Thomas Corley in 1964 and was involved in many activities and groups over the years. Corley was a member of First Baptist Church Woodway and a master gardener. She loved Baylor sports and was a member of the Lady Bears Tipo Club, 1845 Society and Bear Foundation. Her husband preceded her in death.
William Tim Edgar of Beaumont, TX, died April 7 at age 92. He was a staff sergeant during World War II in Europe and the Pacific. He attended Chenier Business College in Beaumont, Lamar College and the University of Texas at Austin. Edgar worked until age 90, first as a CPA with the firm of Edgar, Kiker and Cross, and later as a real estate developer. He was a deacon of Woodland Baptist Church and served on many boards, including the Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas and the ethics board of Texas Society of CPAs. He was president of the Southeast Texas Chapter of Texas CPAs. The Edgars established scholarships for local residents and Baylor students. Among his survivors are his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, children Cathy Medina, BS ’73, Beth Morrison, Robert Edgar, BSN ’77, Carol Warner, BBA ’81, and Ellen Thomson, a sister, 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
William B. “Burk” Johnston of Georgetown, TX, died March 16 at age 92. He joined the Army during World War II and was deployed to England, France and Germany. Johnston attended business college, then worked as a land man in the Permian Basin. He founded the Midland Map Co. with a sibling and worked as a land man before joining the First National Bank of Midland. Johnston later helped the King Ranch with their oil holdings before retirement. Johnston was a member of Baylor’s Endowed Scholarship Society. He was preceded in death by his wife Clara Belle and daughter Patricia Ann. He is survived by his daughter Mary Janice Yost, BSN ’77, and other family members.
Mollie Ann Newcom of Fort Worth died March 11 at age 82. She held a degree from Temple [TX] Junior College and two from the University of North Texas. Newcom taught English for 30 years at Wayside Middle School in Saginaw, TX, Boswell High School in Fort Worth, Tarrant [TX] County College and the University of Texas at Arlington. She was inducted into the Miss Texas Hall of Honor for her work with young women throughout Texas. Newcom was a 17-year advisor to Phi Theta Kappa and was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Faculty Advisor on the National level. She taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church Saginaw. Among her survivors are her husband of 63 years, Max Newcom, BS ’57, children Steven Newcom, BBA ’78, Nancy Marston, BSEd ’81, and Melinda Smith, BSEd ’83, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Ralph M. Smith of Austin died March 11 at age 85. After receiving a doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1956, Smith pastored First Baptist Church Rosenberg [TX] and Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, and he served on the executive committee founding Austin Baptist Church. He was a Baylor Regent in the 1980s, chair of the Building Committee for North American Mission Board, board chair of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Home Mission Board chair, president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and president of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference. He is a former chaplain of the Texas House of Representatives. Smith helped establish 16 churches from 1952 through 2015 and has built numerous buildings for Baptist organizations. He has a pastoral library of over 5,000 sermons he delivered and has written four books, including one chronicling the struggles of overcoming Guillain-Barre disease. Smith was a mentor to young pastors until 2016. His wife Bess died in 2008. Among his survivors are his children Diane Love, Wallace Smith, JD ’83, and Peyton Smith, BBA ’86, JD ’89, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a sister.
Leona Urbantke of Riesel, TX, retired Baylor “dorm mother,” died April 23 in Waco. She was 103. In 1942, she married Milford Louis Urbantke, who preceded her in death. For 17 years, Urbantke served as housemother at a Baylor women’s dormitory. She was an accomplished china painter and especially enjoyed gardening. Her survivors include her son Ronald Urbantke, BS ’69, her grandchildren Amanda Freeman, BSEd ’93, Russell Urbantke, BSEd ’01, and Alison Smith, BA ’01, eight great-grandchildren and a sister.
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