Page 87 - NM Summer 2023

IN MEMORIAM
Obituaries and photos provided by NMHBA
Army, he rode bulls and bareback horses. He boxed in the Golden Gloves. He met Dixie just out of the service, and they married in 1964. He put everything he had into the land business working seven days a week during the early years, while still making sure he always made time for his wife and kids. He never missed a football game where Jay played and Carla was a cheerleader.
He began his land development career
in Austin but soon moved to Wimberley,
Texas where he and Dixie spent most of their lives. They built a beautiful horse farm in Wimberley known as Foothills Farm, where they bred racehorses. They eventually moved to Horseshoe Bay, Texas, where he was at the time of his passing.
Land development was his passion. From his early days as Director of Marketing and Sales at Woodcreek to Patten Corporation, Bluegreen, National Land Partners and at
his company Southerland Communities, Charlie loved nothing more than teaching
all who worked for him. He taught them to sell land with enthusiasm and integrity, using his method, "The 10 Steps," and asking for referrals. He was a tremendous leader who loved helping others. He enjoyed working with his son and partner, Jay, in the land business and his daughter, Carla, in the title business
at Inland Title of Texas. Jay will carry on the Southerland legacy proudly.
Charlie's other passions included horse racing, hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, motorcycle riding, and spending time with family and friends. His circle of friends runs deep as he never met a stranger and these friendships have been long lasting.
Charlie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 15 years ago. Not willing to throw
in the towel, he traveled to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, whom he credits for saving his life. It was during this time that he asked God "What do you want from me?" He heard back clearly, "Feed my children." He met Banks Chisum from Wimberley who introduced him to a children's home for orphans in Kenya called Into Abba's Arms. The family traveled to Kenya and fell in
love with the kids and staff. Charlie happily donated the resources to finish a building they didn't have the funds to complete.
They named it Patterson House in his honor. Charlie and Dixie continue to sponsor children there.
He is survived by the love of his life Dixie, his son Jay and daughter-in-law Dee Patterson, daughter Carla Krafka and son- in-law Frank Krafka, grandkids Meghan Diggs, A.J. Patterson, Paige Gearing, Allie Krafka, great-grandson Luca Gearing, and grandsons-in-law John Gearing and Hardy
Diggs. The family will miss him daily but are thankful for his legacy and all the memories they have.
A memorial service will take place Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wimberley, Texas. A gathering
of friends and family in memory of Charlie
will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 4 p.m. in Horseshoe Bay. From the intersection of Highways 281 and 71, travel west on Hwy 71 for four miles and look for signs and balloons on the left.
In place of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation of any amount to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston or Into Abba's Arms in his memory.
Victor Diaz
Longtime horseman Victor Diaz of Sunland Park, New Mexico passed away February 17. He was 90.
Diaz was born December 2, 1932.
According to Equibase records since 2000, Diaz owned 79 Quarter Horse winners with earnings over $2.3 million. His top performers included Championship at Sunland Park-G1 winner Tf Im That Guy, Champion Distance Horse Coronas Boy, Zia 870 Championship Stakes winner Das The Flashman to name only a few.
In partnership with Jose Diaz, Victor won an additional 51 races and earned $994,450. They campaigned AQHA Distaff Challenge Championship(G1) winner Royaltime Classic, West Texas Futurity(G1) winner Quik Jolla and La Mariposa Handicap(G3) winner Special Crys.
He is survived by his wife Mrs. Maria del Carmen Fernandez de Diaz, children Mary Carmen, Mavy, Ana Maria and Victor, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held February 18 in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Thomas Arthur Jay
Thomas A. Jay (Tommy) of Ruidoso went home January 23, 2023. He was the son of Albert V Jay and Viola Harmon Jay. Born October 13, 1942, in Roswell, New Mexico. A true horseman from mucking stables at
the racetrack as a boy graduating to trotting and riding horses as young man going on
to breaking and training quarter horses. His triumph was managing Eaves Horse Farm where he bred and foaled the likes of Fortune of Delight, Tres Seis, Deans Miracle, He’s My Dasher, A Delightful Legacy and the 1999 All American winner A Delightful Dasher. Tommy was a proud Veteran of the US Army having served a tour in Vietnam.
He is survived by daughter, Valeria Coleman of Aurora CO, Son, Thomas A. Jay, Jr. (Tom) of Hobbs, NM, grandson, Christopher Coleman of Baytown, TX, Sister, Helen Jay of Paris, TX, and the 2nd love of his life, Susie Dunlap of Ruidoso.
Receiving Tommy in Heaven are his parents Albert V Jay and Viola Harmon Jay, Brother Clarence Jay, and his first wife Patricia (Pat) Jay. Tommy had big shoes to fill and will be greatly missed by family and many friends.
The New Mexico Horse Breeders Association tries its best to express its condolences to those who have passed that were a part of the horse racing industry. Although we try, we may not always know of someone. If you have someone whom you would like us to express condolences for, please send obituary and photo(s) to:
admin@nmhorsebreeders.com Thank you.
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