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Raymond Glen Sanders passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Pilot Point, TX. He was surrounded by family in his final hours. Raymond was born to Hester Canon and Frank Sanders on October 11, 1928, in Paducah, TX where he lived until joining the Army in 1946. After returning, as the song goes, he married the farmer’s daughter Billie Sue Truelock on August 12, 1950. Raymond was a soldier both in the military and in life. He was proud of his time in the service and in later years most of his stories started with “when I was in the Army.” He loved to tell stories, especially to his grandkids. Raymond never knew his dad, but he made sure his kids knew theirs. Whomever started the term ‘Dad Jokes’ may have been talking about Popsie. It was many times funnier to watch and listen to him than to hear the joke. Raymond loved hunting and fishing and all things outdoors. Most weekends were spent water skiing, fishing, and camping. He loved to travel and camp with brother-in–law Jerry Mowrey and wife Shirley (Billie’s sister) and brother-in-law Travis Truelock (Billie’s brother) and wife Wanda. After retiring from Dow Chemical, Raymond and Billie purchased a RV and followed the seasons around the country. They later settled in Hemphill on Lake Toledo Bend where he fished regularly and continued to enjoy camping trips with family and friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and calm influence on those around him. In later years Raymond and Billie moved to Pilot Point, TX to be closer to their family. Billie experienced some health issues and was placed in a nursing facility to secure needed medical attention. Raymond drove to the facility daily to have dinner with his wife until an auto accident disabled him physically at the age of 92. After rehab attempts Raymond was moved to the facility with Billie where he remained until his death just days before his 95th birthday. The couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in August. When he passed, the staff that served him at Cedar Ridge facility shared tears and hugs with the family. He touched them in a special way. He lived a good life to the end. Always willing to flash a smile and give a nod, never a complaint. He died quietly when his time was up. Rest in peace soldier. Raymond is preceded in death by his mother, Hester Canon. Raymond is survived by his wife, Billie Sue Sanders; sons Jack, and wife Sherry Sanders, Terry, and his wife Nesi Sanders; daughter Starla Sanders; nine grandchildren, Tonja, Chad, Jason ,Sheryl Michael, Jason, Cody, Crystal and Dustin; Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shirley and Jerry Mowrey; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Travis and Wanda Truelock; Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Donna and Mike Holcomb, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and friends from a lifetime of being a humble and fun-loving man. The family will host a graveside service at the Paducah family cemetery at a later date. On-line condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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Raymond Glen Sanders

October 11, 1928 - October 7, 2023