Bobby Wayne Soefje

Bobby Wayne Soefje, 77, of Longview, Texas, died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, in Longview, after a brief battle with bone and kidney cancer.

            Mr. Soefje was born July 14, 1941, in Seguin, Texas. He worked as a machinist at Texas Instruments in Abilene, as a home delivery man for Borden Dairy Company in Abilene, and for Webco Store Fixtures and Pinkerton Security in Longview. He also maintained a local woodworking business. He held membership at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview since 1992 and formerly at Forest Home Baptist Church in Kilgore from 1989-1992.

            Mr. Soefje was such a joy to be around.  His personality and quick wit was enjoyed by all.  His love for woodwork kept him busy making squirrel feeders and bird houses that he sold to local businesses during the late 90’s, early 2000’s.    He was often occupied by listening to the police scanner, and keeping up with the local happenings.  He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.

            He is preceded in death by his parents, Cleburne and Grace Soefje; his sister, Karen Olson; and his stepdaughter, Angela Combs Ratliff. Survivors include his wife, Sally Cash Soefje of Longview; daughter and partner, Cathy Wright and Jerry Mallett of Iowa, Louisiana; daughter and husband, Lisa Gentles and Donald  of Odessa; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Shar Combs Wilson and Len of Frisco; son-in-law, Russell Ratliff of Dallas; brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Helen Soefje of Sutherland Springs; brother-in-law, Kirby Olson of Universal City; grandchildren Marshall Wright of Wolfe City; Timothy Johnson and wife, Krystal of Kermit; James Patterson and wife, Tiffany of Odessa; Kaylyn, Christian, Joslyn and Austin Wilson of Frisco; Lauren Ratliff Santoro and husband Philip of Irving; Lyndsay Ratliff Wylie and husband Jimmy of Irving; Lesley Ratliff Craton and husband Tyler of Irving; 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

            A celebration of life service will be held at Mobberly Baptist Church, building B, on Saturday, March 9, at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Charles Barham officiating. Visitation will immediately follow.

Special thanks to Mr. Soefje’s neighbor, Cam McIntyre; Station 5 firefighters and EMTs; Texas Home Health; and Magnolia Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mobberly Baptist Church Building Fund at 625 E. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 or

Mobberly Baptist Church Sunrisers Class, same address.

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