Raymond Leroy Vanya, Sr.

Raymond Leroy Vanya, Sr., 78, of Batson, passed away Thursday April 3, 2014 at his home with his family by his side. He was a member and past Deacon of First Baptist Church of Batson. He liked to fish and hunt. He enjoyed watching sports, especially baseball and golf. Farming was his passion.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Gracie Vanya; brother, Terrell Vanya; sisters, Nelda Riley and Carol Price.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 59 years, Sue Vanya of Batson; children, Raymond Vanya, Jr. and wife Debra of Votaw, Patrick Vanya and wife Helen of Hardin, Gary Vanya and wife Lisa of Ennis, Kelly Miller and husband Dale of Batson, Angela Eckert and husband Tom of Batson; grandchildren, Justan, Jessica, Manda, Jonathan, Jeremy, Philip, Jara, Christopher, Benjamin, Alyson, Houston, Jase, Jaxon and Garison; 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Freda LaNormand and Terry McCumber of Hardin.
His family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Batson Saturday April 5, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Sunday April 6, 2014 at Guedry Cemtery in Batson, officiated by Reverend Bill Campbell and Reverend Tolbert Hudspeth.
Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jonathan, Jeremy, Philip, Christopher, Benjamin, Houston, Jase, Jaxon and Garison.