R. J. Sailor, Jr.

R. J. Sailor, Jr., 83, of White Deer, died May 4, 2016 in Amarillo. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel in Pampa, with Rev. Dr. Jerry R. Lane, pastor of United Methodist Church of White Deer, officiating. There will be a private family burial at Fairview Cemetery in Pampa. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa. R. J. was born December 31, 1932 in Pampa. He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He married Elice Hobbs on April 4, 1953 in Pampa. He greatly enjoyed farming for 60 years in Carson County, south of White Deer. He was a successful farmer and businessman who continued to farm up until this growing season. R. J. had a strong belief in the power of education. He served on the board of the White Deer–Skellytown ISD and saw to it that his daughters and all five grandchildren received a college education. R. J. had been a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in White Deer since 1955, and was a member of the Star Fellowship Sunday school class. He was a 60-year member of the White Deer Lions Club and a member of the White Deer Senior Citizens. He also served as chairman of the board of the McClellan Creek Soil & Water Conservation District from 1964-1970. Carson County Farm Bureau recognized R. J. as Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1988. His family will remember him as a fine man of integrity, a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a true patriarch to his extended family. He and Elice enjoyed travel throughout the U. S. and in Europe and Australia. He is survived by his wife, Elice Hobbs Sailor of the home; two daughters, Laura Reyher and husband Rick of Canyon, and Mary Coyne and husband Michael of Amarillo; five grandchildren, Grant Reyher, Melissa White and husband Andrew, Bret Reyher, Alex Coyne and Julianne Coyne; a granddaughter-in-law, Sabrina Reyher; and four great grandsons. For those who wish to honor R. J., the family requests memorials to the United Methodist Church, PO Box 835, White Deer, Texas 79097; or White Deer Senior Citizens Association, PO Box 44, White Deer, Texas 79097.