James M. Noel

1928 - 2018

Noel

James Murle Noel, loving husband, father and grandfather, died September 4, 2018, in Waco. He was 90.

James was born July 28, 1928 to Charles Albert Noel and Eunice Mae Creech in White Deer, Texas. Though he endured much difficulty early in life—surviving the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in the Texas Panhandle and being orphaned at the age of 17—James did not dwell on those hardships, choosing instead a positive path for himself and his future family.

James married Ruby Ruth Cate on July 11, 1950, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage prior to Ruby's passing in January of this year. James often credited Ruby with changing his life, as she led him to faith in Jesus Christ in 1957, a faith he held close throughout his life.

After James and Ruby married, Ruby encouraged James to continue his education, as he had dropped out of school in the eighth grade. James entered North Texas State College in Denton, earning a bachelor's degree in three years and later a master's degree.

James led a distinguished career in public education, first as an industrial arts teacher in Plano ISD, and then as an administrator before his retirement in 1985. James took pride in being able to work and relate with a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds. In his roles as a high school teacher and a junior high school principal, James had a profound impact on numerous students as he dealt with them firmly, but lovingly. Later in life, his former students would often comment on their respect and admiration for James and the role he had played in their lives during their formative years.

In his retirement, James enjoyed running a small cattle ranch near Bonham, Texas, traveling with his wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren in different parts of the country. Since 1962, he remained a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Plano and served many years as a deacon.

James was preceded in death by: an infant son in 1951; son James Murle Noel, Jr., in 2016; and wife, Ruby, in January. Also preceding him in death were siblings: Alice Nash; Winifred Noel Petty; Emma Mae Noel Vick; and Charles A. Noel.

He is survived by: daughters Sherry (Jeff) DeHay and Carol (Eric) Vaughan; grandchildren Kristi (Adam) Roye; James III (Tara) Noel; Harrison (Ali) DeHay; Hunter DeHay; Rachel (Preston) Barnett; Zachary Vaughan; and Alexander Vaughan; and great grandchildren Abigail James Noel; Arlo Murle Roye; Theodore Michael Noel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ted Dickey Funeral Home, 2128 18th St., Plano. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Plano, 1300 E. 15th St., with Dr. Jerry Carlisle officiating. A private graveside service will precede the memorial service.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Jeff DeHay; Eric Vaughan; Harrison DeHay; Hunter DeHay; James Noel Jr.; Zach Vaughan; Alex Vaughan; Maurice Cate; and Bobby Hull.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron, Dallas, TX 75227, www.tbmtx.org.