James "Ralph" Bufkin

JAMES "RALPH" BUFKIN, 85, of Bellville, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2015, in Bellville. He was born July 14, 1930, in Neches, Texas, to Naylor and Rosalie Hanna Bufkin. Ralph grew up and attended schools in various places moving where his father''s company, Humble Oil, transferred him. He graduated from Ganada High School. Ralph enlisted in the United States Navy in 1949 and was discharged in 1955. He married Diana Reed, on April 20, 1952, in Tomball, Texas. Ralph was employed with Humble Oil as a Drilling Supervisor, retiring from Exxon after 37 years. He was a member of the Bellville United Methodist Church, he sang with the choir, and was a member of the Austin County Civic Choral. He enjoyed music, playing the guitar, and collecting musical instruments. Ralph is survived by his WIFE OF OVER 63 YEARS: Diana Bufkin of Bellville; DAUGHTER: Catherine Bufkin of Bellville; SONS: Jeffrey Bufkin and wife, Judi, of Houston, and Christopher Bufkin and wife, Theresa of Bellville; SISTERS: Alice Roome and husband, Sonny, of Louise, and Sylvia Rowe and husband, Bobbie Long, of Spring; BROTHERS: Stephen Bufkin and wife, Belinda, of Bronson, Texas, and Thomas Bufkin and wife, Helen, of Conroe; GRANDCHILDREN: Aaron Powell and wife, Stephanie, Amber Mullaney and husband, Terry, Brittney, Meagan, Tyler and Emilie Bufkin; GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Trinity, Riley, Tatum, Julia, Jack and Stella and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Naylor and Rosalie Bufkin, brother, David Bufkin, and sisters, Doris Ann, Norma Billings and Thelma Brisco. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to either the: Bellville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 188, Bellville, Texas 77418, Compassionate Care Hospice, 3833 South Texas Avenue, Suite 200, Bryan, Texas 77802 or to the charity of their choice.