Raymond Norris Hoskins

Raymond Norris Hoskins, 92, of Cottonwood, Arizona passed away on Saturday, July 9th. He was born in Ft. Worth Texas on June 26, 1913 to Charles Houston and Jettie (Gregory) Hoskins. He graduated from Handly High School and attended the University of Texas for 2 years. He was a member of the Booster Club for Mississippi State University. During World War II, Mr. Hoskins served in the United States Air Force, where as a flight officer, he was a glider pilot and he also flew C-47 transport planes. He took part in the Battle of the Rhine Crossing in Weisel, Germany which occured March 22nd-24th 1945. He also served in the Air Force Reserves where he attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. His military career spanned 26 years, and he retired from active duty in 1965 as a Chief Master Sergeant. Mr. Hoskins was a member of the Professional Golfer\u0027s Association and worked as the golf pro at the Columbus Country Club in Columbus, Mississippi from 1965-1977. While serving as the golf pro, he established a golf tournament for young people. He was honored by the country club and the community of Columbus by having the tournament named the Ray Hoskins Junior Golf Tournament. Mr. Hoskins was a member of the Verde Baptist Church in Cottonwood and previoisly belonged to the First Baptist Church in Columbus, Mississippi. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Vonda Hoskins, his son and daughter-in-law: Dr. W. Dale and Jody Hoskins of Flagstaff, Arizona; a granddaughter: Jorie J. Hoskins of Phoenix, Arizona; three brothers: Charles (Chock) Hoskins of Raleigh, NC; George E. (Ed) Hoskins and Bill L.Hoskins, both of Baytown, Tx; a sister-in-law: Christine Hoskins of Granbury, TX. He was preceded in death by two sisters: Flora Hill and La Trelle Reeves and a brother: Jess (Sonny) Hoskins. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 14th at 10:00 A.M. at the Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, AZ. Interment will be at Citizen\u0027s Cemetery in Flagstaff, Arizona at 1:00 P.M. Memorial donations may be sent to the Verde Baptist Church, 102 South Willard Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 or to First Baptist Church of Columbus Mississippi. Westcott Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.