OBITUARIES - 10/16/20

Oct. 1, 2020

Raymond Lee Wimbrough

Ray Wimbrough, 71, of Olney, Maryland died on Oct. 6.

Wimbrough was a long-time member of Superior Senior Softball, playing on the 55, 60 and 65 teams. He earned multiple All-Tournament selections with the team.

Wimbrough last played SSUSA in 2018 with High Street Bucs 65.

Along with All-Tournament honors in SSUSA, Wimbrough earned various All-American honors in Softball Players Association.

“Ray Wimbrough was one of the most liked players in Senior Softball,” said Jim Sears, manager of Superior Senior Softball. “He was one of the best pitchers I have ever seen and one great friend! He loved the game and his teammates. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.” 

For his efforts on the diamond, Wimbrough was elected into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in the Player Category as part of the Class of 2012.

Tom Dommel (NSSHOF ’97) had this to say of Wimbrough at the time of his NSSHOF induction: "I believe Ray is one of the best senior pitchers in the country.  He's a crafty, experienced pitcher who has been participating in slow pitch softball for 41 years.  His pitch selection, accuracy and control, as well as his style of pitching have been contributing factors to his team's victories.  His reflexes and competitiveness enable him to shut down the middle, making him a double threat in the circle."

Ralph Wesley Adams, Jr.

Ralph Adams, 69, of Indianapolis, died on Oct. 10.

Adams was a long-time member of Brickyard Classics 60. He also played with Job Central.com/Indy 60s, and Expert Car Care 55.

Adams last played SSUSA in 2019 with KPI.

“Ralph was my dear friend for over 30 years,” said Nancy Allen, SSUSA Indiana state director.  “He was also a great teammate.  Anyone who knew him will miss him dearly. I remember many times talking with him and solving the world’s problems at our beloved Metro Stadium.  Rest in peace; I count myself fortunate to have had you as my friend, Ralphie.”

Adams entered the United States Air Force at age 19, and served 24 years, retiring in 1995. He worked for the State of Indiana in the Division of Supplier Diversity as the Deputy Director of Certification.

Robert (Bob) L. Lowery

Bob Lowery, 82, died on Oct. 10 in Mesa, Ariz.

Formerly of Citrus Heights, Calif., Lowery played for a number of years with Sac Blues 70, last playing in 2014. He also played with Sacramento Gold 75 in 2013.

Additionally, Lowery served as a long-time tournament director for the Tournament Players Association (TPA) in Sacramento.

“Bob was the manager of the Sacramento Blues for many years,” said Jerry Johnson, current manager of Sac Blues 75. “First as the 65s and over, he then created the Blues 70 and over and managed them for several years.  He was not only a director for TPA, but was president for over five years. Bob was the heart and soul of the Blues teams for many years.  I know, as he was my first senior softball manager when he brought me on to the Blues.”

William Lenox Beshore

Bill Beshore, 82, of Burlingame, Calif., died on Sept. 29.

Beshore was most recently a member of Redwood City God Rush, last playing in 2019. He was also a member of State Roofing Systems 70 and 75.

Beshore was a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he played football and basketball.

From NorCal Senior Softball Association (NCSSA):
“Bill was a long-time member of the Redwood City Señors Softball Club and an admired and gifted softball player. He played on many tournament teams over the years, including the Redwood City Cardinals, the State Roofing Royals, and the Redwood City Gold Rush. His gifts as a player—strong bat, powerful arm, fast runner with stamina—made him a coveted player for any team. Once he aged enough to be on teams with an infielder up the middle, he played that role with verve and became the most valuable player for the many double plays he would turn in a game.”

Juan Roberto “Kiro” Oaxaca

Juan Oaxaca, 73, of El Paso, Tex., died on Aug. 8.

In SSUSA, Oaxaca was a long-time member of El Paso Nine Elevens, playing on the 55, 60, 65, and 70 teams. He most recently played in the Winter World Championships last November.

He also played with El Paso Legends in the early 2000’s in the 50s division.

Oaxaca graduated from the University of Texas El Paso, with a degree in business, before moving on to law school at the University of Texas Austin. He also served in the U.S. Army.

Oaxaca established his own law practice with several offices in El Paso and Houston. He would later join the law office of Scherr/Legate and continued to practice until medical complications led to his retirement.

From Oaxaca’s obituary:
“Kiro always had “our back”, proving it with his trademark expression, “you’re covered!” He was a person that we could always depend on for help, advice and unconditional love and support. We will always remember his beautiful and contagious smile. He truly loved GOD and shared that love through his example and way of life with all of us.”