11/18/2019
James Richard Shofner, 89 of Center, Texas, left this world on Monday, November 18, 2019, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to Martin Lee and Bessie Flemings Shofner on December 21, 1929, in Center, Texas. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Navy, where he completed a tour of duty during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, James promised the Lord if He would let him get back to the Piney Woods of East Texas he would never leave for long. It was a promise he kept short of a few brief vacations.
Upon his marriage to Rosa, he settled in Center to raise a family and run his machine shop building, tinkering and creating for many years. He was a Master Mason and was the Worshipful Master of Lodge 149. James was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a long-time member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Huxley, Texas, where he was a deacon for 58 years. Everyone who knew him knew of his faith and unending love for Jesus. He passed that love along not only to his family, but also to countless friends and strangers alike. We are certain that upon reaching the Pearly Gates he was met by a host of family and friends and welcomed with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Services will be Thursday November 21, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with visitation Wednesday November 20, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
James is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rosa Lee Vaughn Shofner of Center. Daughters Debora Shofner Johnson and husband Darrell of Center and Janet Shofner Wilburn of Center.
Grandchildren:
Rex Johnson and wife Allison
Nikki Johnson Butler and husband David
Misty Wilburn
Micah Wilburn
Great-grandchildren:
Katie Johnson Warner and husband Kyle
Rhett Butler
Callie Johnson
Guner Youngblood
Brother, Delbert Shofner
Sisters:
Edna Ruth Birdwell
Linda Henderson and husband Joe
Kathi Howard and husband Dewey
Sister-in-law, Ann Vaughn Yarbrough
Special friend and Brother in Christ: Prentice Hendricks
As well as a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Martin Lee and Bessie Flemings Shofner; father and mother-in-law, Jim and Gladys Snider Vaughn; son-in-law, Michael Wilburn; sisters, Mary Lee Reichel, Bille Jean Livingston; brothers-in-law, Leon Livingston, Doug Parker, Pug Yarbrough, J.C. Vaughn, Bryant Birdwell, Jerry Reichel; sisters-in-law, Doris Parker, Carol Shofner, Marilynn Vaughn; niece, Kimberly Parker.
Pallbearers will be Rex Johnson, David Butler, Chester Dawson, Lynn Raymond, Kyle Warner, Rhett Butler, Guner Youngblood
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas is in charge of arrangements.
