September 24/October 29, 2025
PRESENT: 17/17
FIRST TIME: 0
LONG TIME: 0
GUESTS: Courtney Gambrell
SICKNESS:
None to report
DEATHS:
Mary Juanita Melton
September 22, 1942 – October 4, 2025
Mary Juanita Melton, age 83, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Denton, Texas.
She was the devoted wife of 60 +years to James P. Melton, and the proud mother of Robert Melton and his wife Shari Melton, and Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Griffin and her husband Brian Thompson. Mary was a cherished grandmother to Robin Miller and her husband Chris Miller, and to Jacob Griffin, Madelyn Mae Griffin and Charlie McGlinchy. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Cody, Riley, and Charley Miller, who brought her endless joy. She will be joining her parents Clyde and Mozelle Dolph, as well as her 2 sisters Barbara Wyatt and Geraldine Gaulden.
Mary spent most of her adult life in Garland, Tx where she was involved in the community and retired from Raytheon (formally E-Systems) in Human Resources. Mary traveled the world with her loving husband and daughter and experienced life to the fullest. She was always proud of her son, who retired as a Senior Chief in the Navy defending and supporting our country. She may have been tiny, but she was mighty. Mary’s life was filled with love, laughter, and dedication to her family and friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the special way she made everyone feel at home in her presence.
A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.
Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Juanita Melton, please visit our flower store.
Linda Stodghill passed away.
April 2, 1942 – October 17, 2025
17, 2025. She was born to William and Lois (Brown) Gibson on April 2, 1942. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Janeice Hargrave and great nephew, Jace Hanna.
Linda was born and raised in Hooks, Texas, where she attended a little country school before continuing her education at North Texas College. Dedicated and hardworking, she built a remarkable 30-year career as an executive secretary—spending most of that time at Raytheon. Earlier in life, she also worked with Shell Oil Company for a brief time.
She met the love of her life, Lyndon, on a blind date arranged by her pastor who attended school with Lyndon, and the two were married on November 23, 1966. For 56 wonderful years, they shared a life full of laughter, love, and lasting memories.
Faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of the Country Church in Tyler and volunteered with FBC Richardson, where she brought smiles to children by making puppets with her women’s group and delivered them to the children’s hospitals.
Though she was known for being quiet and all business, she had a wonderful warmth about her. She loved to host and threw great parties, always making sure everyone felt welcome. She had many talents—organizing trips, helping with church events, and always being someone you could count on.
She loved to cook and took pride in creating a home filled with love and comfort. Immaculate and beautifully dressed, she was meticulous in all things and carried herself with grace and pride.
Above all, she was truly the best girl in the world—steady, loving, dependable, and deeply cherished by everyone who knew her. Her kindness and strength left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her legacy will continue in the lives of the family and friends who loved her so dearly.
Left to cherish Linda’s memory is her husband, George Lyndon Stodghill; sister, Betty (Gibson) Hanna and husband, Paul; brothers in law: Travis Stodghill and wife, Donna and Dale Stodghill and wife, Margie, Robert Hargave; nephews: Ryan Hanna, Derek Stodghill and wife, Abby, Drew Stodghill and wife, Jane; nieces: Angela Corder and husband, Shawn, Amy Brookshire and husband, Zachary; great nieces and nephews: Jocelyn Hanna, Cindy Corder, Claire Corder, Boyce Brookshire, Abel Brookshire, Eli Brookshire, Natalie Stodghill, Dean Stodghill, Glynn Cueto, as well as many extended family member and friends, all of whom love Linda dearly.
The family will be having a private service.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Linda Stodghill please visit our Sympathy Store.
John Ennis Puckett
January 18, 1941 – October 18, 2025
John Ennis Puckett, 84, of Garland, Texas, passed away on October 18, 2025. Born on January 18, 1941, and raised in Big Spring, Texas, John had made Garland, Texas his home since 1967.
A proud Texas Aggie, John graduated from Texas A&M University with the Class of 1963 and served in the Corps of Cadets as a lieutenant. He went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967, attaining the rank of captain in the Military Police.
Professionally, John devoted 35 years to E-Systems/Raytheon, retiring in 2002 as Corporate Director of Security. He was deeply committed to his fraternal and community service— a Master Mason for 60 years, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 45 years, and a Shriner for 50 years.
A man of steadfast faith, John was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He also participated in numerous other civic and professional organizations.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda Jay Puckett (married June 21, 1963); daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Douglas Folks; son and daughter-in-law, John E. and Angel Puckett; granddaughter, AnnaMaria Puckett; and great-grandson, Aiden Puckett-Wyman. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Carolyn Puckett.
Big John will be remembered as a strong Christian man and a devoted, loving husband and father. He was known for saying the best prayers and for his enduring Aggie spirit—often closing with, “Gig ’em, Aggies.”
- Visitation: Monday, October 27, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
- Funeral Service: Tuesday, October 28, 10:30 a.m.
- Location for both: Williams Funeral Home, 1600 S Garland Ave, Garland, Texas 75040
- Refreshments will follow at Garland Masonic Lodge, 125 State St, Garland, TX 75040.
- Please call or text his daughter, Linda Puckett Folks, at 214-802-2364 with any pictures, stories, or questions.
John’s life was marked by faith, service, and love for his family and community. He will be missed dearly and remembered with gratitude.
Royce Wayne Wilson
July 22, 1932 – October 22, 2025
Dad turned 93 this Summer. Calvin and Lincoln always keep him entertained…Including the math test from Lincoln on his birthday card! Lincoln knew he was good at math. LOL!
Early this morning, Dad’s list of ailments which grew exponentially since March, caught up with him. He passed in his sleep at hospice. We will all miss him.
Celebration of Life information:
- Royce Wilson
- Woodway First United Methodist Church
- 2100 Woodway Dr
- Woodway, TX 76712
- Visitation will be at the church as well as the service.
- Saturday, Nov 1st
- Visitation 10:30
- Service @ 11:00
Obituary: Royce Wayne Wilson
Royce Wayne Wilson was born in Oaklawn, Texas, which later became part of Waco. He grew up in Lacy Lakeview, Texas, and from an early age demonstrated a sharp intellect and love of learning. At just eight years old, he was advanced to the fourth grade, where he excelled in math. Royce graduated from Waco High School’s downtown campus at the age of sixteen.
At seventeen, Royce enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a radio operator. His service took him to the mountains of Colorado and Nevada, where he supported pilots in survival training. His natural leadership and dedication earned him the rank of sergeant at a young age. Following his honorable service, he used the GI Bill to attend The University of Texas, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. His academic excellence was recognized through his induction into the Eta Kappa Nu Honor Association.
While in college, Royce met the love of his life, Lou, and the two were married in Austin, Texas. He began his professional career at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, working on B-52 aircraft. The couple lived in North Richland Hills, where they raised their two sons, David and Gary, and attended First Methodist Church. After five years, Royce accepted a position with LTV Aerospace in Garland, Texas, where the family made their longtime home. The Wilsons were active members of St. Philip’s United Methodist Church, later joining First United Methodist Church of Rowlett, where they formed lifelong friendships and served their community faithfully.
In 2024, Royce and Lou made the difficult decision to leave Garland—after 60 wonderful years—to move closer to their oldest son and grandchildren in Waco. Though the move was bittersweet, it gave Royce the gift of time with his Texas grandkids, Tommy, Amanda (and husband Travis Barker), and Brad, and his great-grandchildren, Calvin and Lincoln Barker.
Royce took great pride in his family’s tradition of passing down the name Wayne through four generations: Royce Wayne, David Wayne, Thomas Wayne, and Lincoln Wayne—a legacy he cherished deeply.
Throughout his life, Royce found joy in teaching and sharing experiences with his sons. Whether playing football, baseball, and basketball in the yard, building small electronic projects, or working on cars together, he loved creating moments of learning and laughter. Later, he and his son Gary bonded through their shared hobby of skeet shooting, often competing together as part of a local club.
After his sons graduated college, Royce and Lou enjoyed traveling across the United States, Canada, and Europe, often alongside friends. They also spent many happy years as members of a square dance club, delighting in the music and fellowship it brought. In total, they shared an extraordinary 69 years of marriage.
As Royce neared ninety, his health began to decline, yet his gratitude for each day never wavered. He passed peacefully in his sleep on October 22, 2025. Though he often said his last few years “weren’t graceful,” they were filled with blessings—time spent with those he loved most.
Royce was preceded in death by his parents, R.E. and Katherine Wilson, and his siblings, Lavell, Robert, Beverly, Nellceene Casper, and Hazel Massey.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Lou Wilson; sons, David and Gary Wilson; daughters-in-law, Renee’ and Carolyn; grandchildren, Tommy, Amanda Barker (husband Travis), Brad, Kitty Wilson; Robert Wilson, step-granddaughter Karen Beresky (husband Matthew); and great-grandchildren Calvin and Lincoln Barker.
Royce’s kindness, intelligence, and gentle humor left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. His life was one of love, service, faith, and family—and those who knew him were better for it.
Announcements
Medical Claims for reimbursement can be mailed to:
Alight Smart Choice Solutions
PO Box 64009
The Woodlands, TX
77387
This info was posted on our Facebook group.
Alight has a benefits “Gateway” website that will be used for benefits administration. If you haven’t created an account yet go to www.alight.com to do so. Scroll all the way down to the bottom. Click on “Find Your HR Website” and type in RAYTHEON under “Who is your employer?”. This will pop up a link to www.yourtotalrewards.com/rtx and select “New user?”. The “New user?” selection links to a couple of identifying questions and then steps you through the account setup. It recognized me and I was able to set up my account so I could create my profile and preferences. They had my old employee email address in my profile and I had to call Alight to get that corrected (800-243-8135). Be sure to check your beneficiary information. This was blank for me so I corrected that. Also, if you are married, your personal information probably transferred over as single. This would cause any medical reimbursement claims for your spouse to be denied. Call the benefits people so they can correct it.
Alight will manage the medical reimbursement and we will be able to check our DDB balance, submit claims, authorize direct deposit, etc. online.
If you need help setting up your Alight account, reimbursement claims, Direct deposit, etc. please email me at emmawahlstrom@aol.com. Terry Gaus has offered to help the retirees who may have questions. I can also help navigate the swamp if you need assistance.
Eileen continues to collect eye glasses for donation to the Lion’s Club. Thank you all who have donated.
Our next luncheon will be January 28th. Tell your fellow retirees! Bring a guest!
Garland ESY/Raytheon Retirees 
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