Nancy Joyce Ridgway Raynes

Nancy Joyce Ridgway Raynes of Hideaway, Texas went home to her heavenly father on June 26, 2017. She is survived by her husband Troyce L. Raynes; sons Michael Lex and Gregory Scott Raynes; grandchildren Lauren, Joshua and Rachael Raynes; sister, Bettye and husband, Ben North; brother, J.W. Ridgway and wife, Gay; sister-in-law, Elaine McConnell; brother -in-law, O.C. Raynes and wife, Rhonda and many loving nieces and nephews. Growing up as a young lady Nancy enjoyed ballet, swimming and studying English History at the Dallas Public Library. Nancy grew up in Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School. Nancy and Troyce met while they were students at Hardin Simmons University and it was love at first date for Troyce, though he could not catch her for another 21 months; then on December 18, 1954 they began a wonderful marriage and partnership which would span over 62 years. In 1957, Troyce entered the U.S. Army and Nancy would spent 30 years as a wonderful and supportive military wife. In addition to raising her two sons, she was very active in Army life including Army Emergence Relief, American Red Cross, Officers' Wives Clubs and Chaplin activities. She was most proud of her role in assisting junior officers' wives in learning to cope with Army life. While in Taiwan she studied Mandarin Chinese, traveled to Okinawa, Hong Kong and the Philippines. She lived in 8 different states and moved 30 times. After her sons started to college she returned to work to help pay for their colleges and became a contract specialist for the Department of Defense. After Troyce's retirement, they moved to Orlando FL. and she opened her own successful consulting firm. She was a member of St. Lukes United Methodist Church and was very active in both the choir and handbells. She was the volunteer director for an organization called Shepherd's Hope that provided assistance to working low income families who could not afford health insurance. She also taught several Bible disciple classes one of which is still ongoing. She loved to travel; Scotland and Canada were two of her favorites. She traveled three different times to both Northern Ireland and Israel. In Northern Ireland, she was active in the peace process and the trips to Israel were both pleasure and for improving her capability to teach bible classes. She also traveled over most of Europe, England and Alaska. Nancy was an excellent bowler and she was often times the leading bowler in whatever league she entered and won numerous awards. An excellent putter, she played golf to spend time with Troyce. She also loved to play bridge and she was passionate about playing as often as possible. Shortly after moving to Hideaway, Nancy and Troyce joined Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler. She was very active in the choir and the military care program. She enjoyed the pastors' bible studies and was a keen bible student. Nancy loved spending the summers in North Carolina where she made many friends, played lots of bridge and shopped for family Christmas presents at the various arts and craft shows. She enjoyed the cool weather in the mountains and out of the Texas heat. Nancy had a blessed and wonderful life and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. While we are celebrating her life, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace and singing on the first row of God's choir. The family will receive friends 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home in Lindale. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 29, 2017 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 30, 2017 in the Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler with a reception to follow in Pirtle Hall. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to Marvin UMC Choir Fund or to Hospice of East Texas.

Nancy Joyce Ridgway Raynes

December 8, 1934 - June 26, 2017