Mr. Roy Thomas Borders

Roy Thomas Borders, Jr. Passed away October 24, 2014. He was born to Roy and Annie Borders on January 3, 1923 in Waxahachie, Texas. He was a graduate of Waxahachie High School. On March 5, 1942, he married Frances Elizabeth White of Waxahachie, Texas, and they were happily married for 70 years. Roy grew up in Waxahachie, Texas and attended Waxahachie High School where he was active in football, earning a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University. Roy was a dynamic individual who cherished the spirit and hope of young people that eventually led him down a path of teaching and coaching. He loved sports played football for SMU where he earned his bachelors degree. He started the football program for Marvin Elementary, in Waxahachie, Texas. He also played and coached golf. He taught and coached in Midlothian, Waxahachie and Dallas, Texas. Roy served in the 596th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, Company “C” of the United Stated Army. He was Honorably Discharged on December 27, 1945. Roy’s influence left a far reaching legacy of kindness, love and pursuit of life-long learning. However, his most cherished accomplishment was his family, and was a loving husband, father and papaw. Roy’s devotion to family, friends, students, and community left an indelible mark for everyone who knew his laughter, caring demeanor, and hopeful vision of life. Roy was a man of great faith with a tremendous love of the Lord. While he was able, he attended and worked in his church, where he served as an usher and a deacon. He was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill. As a caring Christian, he was a faithful friend visiting many nursing homes. A man of great character whose judgment, humor, and friendly spirit brought out the finest in those around him. He leaves us with many cherished memories and a lifetime example of a man of integrity and courage. He is survived by daughter and son in law Melissa and Richard Hudman of Duncanville, Texas; grandchildren, Jason and Julie Simonton; Chad and Scott Sutton; daughter in law Suzy Simonton; sixteen great grandchildren and numerous family members including cousins, nieces and nephews. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy & Annie Borders, his wife Frances Borders, his brothers Marvin and Dave Borders, his sister Dorothy Crawford, his daughter Melanie Hoskins and his grandson, John Simonton.