Raymond Shannon (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas--Raymond Aaron Shannon, 99, passed away Tues., Dec. 13, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 16, 2016 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Tulia. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home in Tulia. Raymond was born on April 13, 1917 to Linnie and William Floyd Shannon in Vega, Texas. They were traveling in a covered wagon from New Mexico to Clarendon. He was a boy full of adventure and had several near-death experiences as a child and young adult. Raymond loved talking about all those childhood memories as he grew up on a farm with 2 sisters and 6 brothers. One night Raymond went to a basketball game in the Running Water community. There he met the love of his life, Dorothy Willard. The two were married in Tulia on Feb. 12, 1940 and were blessed to have 75 years together. Raymond and his brother, Ralph, started farming together in the Cousin community in the late 1930s. Raymond and Dorothy moved to Edmonson in early 1940s. After farming there about 20 years, the couple moved to Tulia in 1962. His life was devoted to farming and providing for his family. He had a special horse, Spec, that he brought from the farm to the back yard for his grandchildren to ride. He even gave his mother a ride on his prize horse. He was full of life. Raymond had a compassionate heart and burning desire to help others. By his example, he instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He shared a strong faith and love with his family. He leaves lots of special memories and a great legacy for his children and grandchildren. We will all miss that twinkle in his eye and his quick wit, even in his moments of confusion. Raymond is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; infant son, Billy Lloyd; son, Larry; parents, Linnie and Floyd; brothers; William Price, Ralph, Ted and Harold. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Byron Benard of Fort Worth; daughter-in-law, Gwyn Ann Shannon of Tulia; sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Kay Shannon of Plainview, James and Judy Shannon of Abernathy; 10 grandchildren; Julie and Mike Mullender, Kristi and Kenneth Martin, Paula Shannon and Bill Hannigan, Kenny and Amanda Shannnon, Rhonda and Chip McCampbell, Lisa and Hoyt Taggart, John David and Anne Shannon, Jennifer and Marc Dressler, Jami and Seth Cope, and Jared and Kristin Shannon, 22 great grandchildren; sisters; Nell Berry of San Antonio, Mary Ruth Bond of Pinole, CA; brothers; Rex Shannon of San Antonio, W.F. Shannon, Jr.; sister-in-law, Bobbie Shannon of Lubbock and a host of nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, First Baptist Church, Tulia, or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.