Ray Deckard Pharr, 94, devoted husband, loving father, doting brother and grandfather, caring uncle, and faithful friend left this world on September 14, 2020.
Deckard was born at home in the rural community of Nevada, TX on April 06, 1926 to Eldon Ray and Lou Deckard Pharr weighing in at 2 lbs. A true miracle baby who grew up to be a great man who taught us all compassion and caring, as he following in the Lord’s footsteps, while also showing us the grit and determination to handle difficult situations that life unfortunately puts in our path.
Growing up in a rural community during the depression, he helped his parents farm the land and managed the crops and cattle, before being called to active duty in the U.S. Army in 1950. Attached to the Army Corp of Engineers, he served on the front lines of the Korean War. Like many veterans of that period, he did not talk about those years until much later in life. A courageous man who helped save his fellow soldiers and the people of South Korea.
On his return from Korea, he met his future wife, Peggy England on a sidewalk in Farmersville on a Saturday night. Following their wedding in Blue Ridge, TX in May 1954, they raised four children and shared the adventures of life, loving and supporting each other over the course of 66 years. Raised a farmer, he worked the farm until the late 60s, when he moved into the industrial world as a machinist where he worked until his retirement in the mid 90’s. Upon his retirement, he picked up his grandkids from school, instilling in them the same values he modeled for his children.
Deckard loved his church, square dancing, western movies, family gatherings, and tending to his cat Scrambles. His kind-hearted nature was evident through his loving hands as he cut and painted Christmas wooden ornaments for his family and friends for over 20 years. He enjoyed tended to his lawn, vegetable and flower gardens over the years, and sharing their bounty with his neighbors and friends. He cherished his wife, showering her with attention, while lovingly raising his children in the Christian faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a loving sister, Betty Lou Page.
Deckard is survived by his loving wife, Peggy of Nevada, TX, his three children - Michael Lynn Pharr of Plano, TX, G. Machelle Pharr (Scott MacKay) of Austin, TX, Rae Rachelle Dennie of Pinehurst, NC, and Dierdre Dawn Harris of Nevada, TX, his three grandchildren – Cassandra Dawn Wilson (Brad), Thomas Deckard Shewbirt, and David Ray Dennie, and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Janey Mobley (John) also of Nevada, TX, numerous nephews and a niece.
A visitation will be held at Hurst’s Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 6 – 8 pm and a 30-minute visitation immediately prior to the service at the church. Deckard’s service will be held Friday, September 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Faith Family Church followed by a short graveside service with military honors at Nevada Cemetery. Family and friends are invited back to the church for food and fellowship.
The family requests that any attending, to please, wear a facial covering in respect to Peggy and her health.
Deckard was an active member of the Nevada Baptist Church which is now Faith Family Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the parking lot fund at Faith Family Church, P.O. Box 399, Nevada, Texas 75173.