Ray and Patsy Paxton of Salisbury celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 17, 2007, at their home with family and friends. The couple were married at the United Church of Christ in Salisbury on Jan. 17, 1957. Ray retired from Hoechst Celanese Corp. with 29 years of service. The former Patsy Harrison, Mrs. Paxton worked at a number of local day-care centers.

Their children are David Ray Paxton of Murphy, Paul Darren Paxton of Salisbury and Johnny Neal Paxton of Davidson.

The Paxtons also plan to celebrate with an early spring trip to Myrtle Beach.