James Ray & Gertrude Donie Males

James Ray Males
July 20, 1934- August 5, 2021

Gertrude Donie Males
February 09, 1936- August 22, 2021

James Ray Males was born to Ray Arthur and Mary Beatrice Males in Borger, TX, in North Plains Hospital, July 20, 1934, just two years before his future bride, Gertrude Donie Kinstley, was born in the same hospital in Borger, TX to George Dewey Kinstley and Mabel Inez Corder on February 9, 1936.

James and Donie's fathers were both laborers in the Carbon Black industry and raised their families in carbon plant camps. Both of their families were relocated, from the panhandle of Texas to Eunice, NM, where Donie and James met in their teens and would soon begin their great love story, joining together in marriage on December 24, 1953.

James was a jack of all trades. His grandkids always said that "if Pawpaw couldn't fix it or build it, no one could." Though his mechanical, engineering, and carpentry talents were next to none, his true passion was horse racing. James was the proud owner and trainer of many thoroughbred horses whose prowess on the track was unmatched, leading them to the winner's circle countless times and capturing the hearts of his family and local race fans. He loved sharing his passion with his family and made countless memories raising his grandchildren and teaching them valuable life lessons in the paddocks and winner circle at Ruidoso Downs.

Donie was a well sought-after businesswoman in the legal field for decades. Upon retiring in 1988, she ventured out with her husband, James, and their youngest daughter to become business owners and opened "J.Brooke's" clothing boutique in Hobbs, NM, the namesake of their first granddaughter born in April of that year. Later in life, her true passion became caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She shared her language of love through cooking and feeding others, all that had the pleasure of dining at her table raved about her divine dishes and desserts.

Together Donie and James created a beautiful life raising four children, traveling, and living in various parts of the United States from the mountains of Ruidoso, NM to the Florida Keys.
Eventually, settling down in East Texas in the late '90s. Their pride and joy were their grandchildren and great children. James was an avid Kilgore Bulldog fan. For decades after their grandchildren had graduated, he could still be found under the Friday night lights on the 50-yard line cheering them on. Donie proudly served as the matriarch of her family making her legacy the foundation for her family's relationship with Jesus Christ. She had faith that moved mountains and held a covenant with the Lord for her people in her daily walk with God. She enjoyed reading her bible and daily talks with her Lord and Savior.

The love James and Donie shared was an inspiration to their family and friends. They were a devoted couple, putting God first and selflessly caring for their families and one another, setting

the utmost example of life and love for nearly 68 years. On August 5, 2021, James moved on to heaven surrounded by his family. Yet, their great romance did not end there, Jesus and James called Donie from her loved ones gathered around her, to her eternal home to be with them on August 22, 2021, where their love story will never end and they will remain together forever.

James and Donie reunited with their parents, their two precious daughters-in-law, and several siblings, Donald LaMoyne Males, Donna Seymour, and Jeanne Pickney.

Left to cherish their memories and carry on their legacy are their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Dee Ray Males of Kilgore and his sons Dee Ray Tadlock and children Kyleigh and Matthew of Levelland and James Males of Colorado; Bryan Males of Midland; Jeanna and Stephen Bryan of Kilgore and their children Thai Jordan and son Kassius Jordan of Key West, FL, Tayler Bryan of Savannah, GA; Kelly Males Robinson of Kilgore and her children Jordyn and TC Livingston and son Hunter Caraway of Harleton, Jamison and Brittany Wright and son Theodore David Wright of Kilgore, as well as James youngest brother, Danny Males and wife Janice Males of Kilgore, TX, nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members.

A private family memorial service will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be made in their honor at Rader Funeral home in Kilgore, TX