James Rudoph “Rudy” Dockray, age 86, of Denison, Texas passed away Monday, December 19, 2022. He was born February 21, 1936, in Bois D’Arc, Missouri to O. C. and Anna Dockray. Rudy graduated from Wynnewood High School and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture Rudy married Betty Bennett on August 9, 1957. Rudy and Betty had two daughters together. The family moved to Bokchito, Oklahoma where Rudy taught Agriculture for the Bokchito I.S.D. for eight years.
In 1966, he moved his family to Denison, Texas where he was hired to be the Farm Director of “12 Acres” television show for KXII from 1966-1985. In 1985, he became the Farm Director at KTEN TV station in Denison, TX with “Rudy’s Farm and Ranch Report.” He worked there from 1985 until 1998 when he retired. During intervals of his 32 years in television, he broadcast two shows a day for extended periods. It is believed he broadcasted approximately 10,200 shows over the course of his career. Rudy leaves behind his beloved family, daughters, Kathy Caddel and husband Todd of Ennis, TX, and Diana “D.D.” Boultinghouse and husband, Randy.
Rudy is survived by his sister Carolyn Whiteside of San Marcos, TX and sister-in-law, Jimmie Ellen Gardner, grandchildren Stephanie Laffitte and husband Daniel of Quitman, LA; Kyle Penn and wife, Whitney of Celina, TX; Kahlee Meadows and husband Trevor; Jenna Gibson and husband Bobby; and Allison Caddel of Pittsburg, TX; great grandchildren Knox Penn, Colton Gibson, Brandon Laffitte, Parker Gibson, Nash Penn, Kolton Laffitte, Jackson Gibson, and Logan Gibson, nieces Andrea Garza; nephews Rex Dockray and Larry Dockray; Tom Gardner; and Brian Whiteside.
Rudy was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his brothers, Eugene Dockray and Clyde Dockray. At the end of life, what really matters isn’t what we bought or our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love. Funeral service for Rudy will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Park Avenue Church of Christ with Ministers Todd Catteau and Basil McClure officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Denison, Family and friends will gather to visit from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Fisher Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered online at www.fisherfh/com Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.
