Oscar Ray Fanning

Many have lost a friend, the community has lost a citizen, the church has lost a member, our family has lost a loved one, but our loss was heaven's gain when God welcomed into his presence, Oscar Ray Fanning on Friday morning, October 28, 2011. Born November 12, 1928 in Justin, Texas, he was the son of John Oscar and Thelma Pauline Fanning. He attended school in Justin. Oscar surrendered to the ministry and attended Decatur Baptist College, Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later received his master's degree from McMurry University. He married his beloved wife, Janie Ray Jackson, on January 30, 1954 in Abilene, Texas. She was his constant companion and partnered with him in his ministry throughout the years. He pastored in Baptist churches in Old Alton, Hamby, Lueders, Wylie and Hopewell. He also served as interim in various other local churches. Oscar also worked for the Wylie Independent School District for 10 years. He recently was honored as Pastor Emeritus at Wylie Baptist Church for his 20 years of ministry as their pastor. He was truly touched by the attendance, cards and calls received from friends and family. Oscar loved people. Wherever he went, it was his joy to visit with people. He was a great encourager and a true example of what it means to be a servant of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Iva Mae Moore, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Fanning. He is survived by his wife, Janie, and children, Carolyn Thomalla and husband Bill, Stephen Fanning, John Fanning and wife Angie, and Mark Fanning and wife Sherrie. Oscar is also survived by grandchildren, Sabrina Kelley, Sean Kelley and wife Misty, Donovan Thomalla, Rhiannon Thomalla, Emily Fanning, Katelyn Fanning, Anna Grace Fanning, Hailey Fanning, Evan Fanning, Amie Fanning and Matthew Fanning; great-grandchildren, Hailey Kelley, Christopher Kelley, Payton Kelley, McKenzie Downs, and Bailey Downs; his precious dog, Jada; nephews, Joel Moore and wife B. J., J. P. Moore and wife Lisa; and niece, Lydia Moore. A celebration of Oscar's life will be held Monday, October 31, 2011 at Wylie Baptist Church at 1:00 pm with graveside to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00-4:30 p.m., October 30th, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Pallbearers will represent the many associations through which Oscar touched so many lives-Hamby Baptist Church represented by David Gist and Thomas Caton; Lueders Baptist Church represented by B. A. Honey and James Ray Cox; Wylie Baptist Church represented by Terry Monroe; Hopewell Baptist Church represented by Marvin Gerhart; a host of friends represented by Ernie Anderson; Medical Community represented by Dave Collins; Wylie Community represented by Donnie Nelson; and Wylie Schools represented by Joey Light. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Watts, Mike Haley, Bill Burgess, Perry Lee, Don Heinze, Therin Osborne and Jon Bloodworth. Memorial contributions may be made to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201-001; or Samaritan's Purse, P O Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; or any local Christian charity.