R.A. Brookshire

Memorial services for R.A. Brookshire, 80, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Lufkin’s First Baptist Church with Reverend Bob Klund and Reverend Aubrey Knox officiating. A reception will follow the services in the Church Parlor.

Mr. Brookshire was born October 10, 1934 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Winifred (Washburn) and Austin Brookshire. He went to be with his Lord Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at PineCrest Retirement Community.

Mr. Brookshire was born in Lufkin, graduated from Lufkin High School, and attended his beloved Stephen F. Austin State University, where he later served on the Board of Regents and established scholarships at SFA as well as Truitt Seminary at Baylor. He served in the United States Army, then began his career with Brookshire Brothers, which was started by his father and uncle in 1929. He, along with his brothers, Gene and Oscar, continued running the family business, taking turns being president. Although they had diverse personalities, they never had a cross word about the business.

Mr. Brookshire was a longtime member of Lufkin’s First Baptist Church, the Sunday School class of George Chandler and Burl Richardson, and the “Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study” at Believers Bible Church.

R.A. never met a stranger, and his vibrant personality and love of life were appreciated by all.

Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Tammy Loftis of Ruidoso, New Mexico, son, Chris Cole of Marfa; daughter, Sally NeGron and husband Larry of Buffalo, New York; grandchildren, Lauren Loftis of Ruidoso, New Mexico, Allinee NeGron, Ryan NeGron and Logan NeGron, all of Buffalo, New York; sister, Ann McCurry of Lufkin; brother, Gene Brookshire of Lufkin; sisters-in-law, Shirley Brookshire and Dot Brookshire, both of Lufkin; nephews and nieces, Paul and Jane McCurry, Carol and David Sinclair, Janet and Steven Stripling, Lee Ann Brookshire, Joel Mark and Carla Brookshire, Barbara and Leonard Peterson, and Brent and Laura Brookshire.

Mr. Brookshire was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Oscar; and nephews, Burt and David.

Pallbearers are Gene Brookshire, Brent Brookshire, B.J. Brookshire, Joel Mark Brookshire, Chris Cole, Paul McCurry, Larry NeGron, Ryan NeGron, Logan NeGron, Leonard Peterson and Bill Schipper.

Honorary pallbearers are special friends and co-workers at Brookshire Brothers.

The family extends very special thanks to the nurses in the Arbor at PineCrest Retirement Community and Hospice in the Pines, and to Brent and B.J. Brookshire and J.E. Driscoll, for all they have done for R.A. To special friends Janie McCann, aka “The Pie Lady”, and LaJean Fredricksen, thanks for all they have done to help us! And to R.A.’s “Angel of Mercy” Darlene Goodman, thanks for all of her love and care for all these months. Thank you more than words can express, Darlene!

Memorial contributions may be made to Lufkin’s First Baptist Church, 106 E. Bremond Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901 or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.