Audrey Melvin Fogle's Obituary
Audrey Melvin Fogle met his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
He was born in Marshall, TX to John Leon Fogle and Ruby M Morton Fogle on April 17, 1935 during the Great Depression just before World War II. The Fogles were known for their hard work ethic, friendship, and were pillars in Gill community. They were committed and served Friendship Baptist Church where they raised their children- Audrey and his sister Faye. Audrey’s early life was filled with working on the family farm, raising cattle, horses, chickens, goats, pigs and raising crops. Running track in High School was another passion he enjoyed. Audrey attended Panola Junior College where he excelled both academically and athletically. Finishing in the top 10%, he transferred to The University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a BBA.
Upon graduation, Audrey was drafted by the United States Army and served honorably overseas during the Cold War. Audrey moved back to Texas and accepted a job in Houston for Brown & Root. It was here that he met his wife of 40 years, Anna Lee Roccaforte. He and Anna Lee built a life together and had two sons, Jonathan and Lorne. While still in Houston, he obtained a Masters degree from in the University of Houston in Transportation Management. Audrey also passed the ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) exam to become an ICC practitioner. He pursued his dream and accepted a job for Boeing Airlines in Seattle, WA as a Transportation and Logistics Manager. He later accepted a job with North American Van Lines in Dallas, TX and became Vice President, General Manager, and eventually Director of Texas, California, and the South West region. During his 30 years at North American Van Lines, he was instrumental in deregulation of freight in Texas and founded North American Freight Systems. Shortly after retiring, he lost Anna Lee in 2001.
He was a dedicated servant of the Lord, and while attending Mobberly Baptist Church, met his wife of 21 years, Montana “Tana” Mae Franz Nimmo. They loved to spend time together and travel visiting family and friends in Oregon and Washington state.
Audrey thoroughly enjoyed working on his tree farm that he managed for timber and wildlife. He also loved to hunt and spend time outdoors. He served the Lord faithfully and enjoyed his time being part of the Men’s Fraternity and Men’s Ministry at Mobberly Baptist Church. Audrey’s heart and passion can be seen in his love for his family and friends. All built on faith, love, laughter, and friendships. The stories he shared will forever be etched in the family’s hearts and minds. Audrey will be so deeply missed, but he leaves behind a legacy that will carry on in many lives.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Leon Fogle & Ruby M. Fogle; sister, Delma Faye Bagley; wife, Anna Lee Roccaforte Fogle; and son, Lorne Paul Fogle.
He is survived by his wife, Tana Mae Fogle of Longview; son, Jonathan Ned Fogle and wife Angela of Tyler; grandchildren Anna Katherine & Jacob Lorne Fogle of Tyler; Tana’s sons Craig Nimmo and wife Kathy of Vancouver, WA; Bruce Nimmo and wife Carie of Olympia, WA; daughter, Heather Barnes and husband Michael of Gilmer; and Tana’s granddaughter Britney Starr Tucker and her son Keeton Tucker of Longview; as well as several nieces and nephews.
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