Burial will follow in the Live Oak Cemetery in Youngsport.
Mr. Ray died Tuesday, Nov. 4, at his home.
He was born July 13, 1922, to Richard Vernon Ray and Exa Bauchman Ray in Florence. He graduated in 1940 from Florence High School and attended two years of college in Washington, D.C., while working for the FBI and later served two years in the United States Army. From 1946 until 1952 he owned and operated a café in Florence. He ranched and farmed in and around the Youngsport area for more than 50 years.
He was a member of the Youngsport Church of Christ for more than 74 years where he served as a deacon. He was a member of the International Brangus Breeders Association and was previously recognized as Bell County Farmer of the Year. He was elected to the Bell County ASCS Committee, which he later served as president; was elected to the Florence school board, which he later served as president; and he served the Florence Independent School District for 16 years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Georganne Ray Myers.
Survivors include his wife, Nelda Gibbs Ray of Youngsport; a son, Dr. Gene W. “Woody” Ray of Youngsport; and four grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vista Care Hospice, 2626 B S. 37th St., Temple, Texas 76504; the American Cancer Society, 1825 Kramer Lane, Austin, Texas 78758, or to the Youngsport Church Of Christ.
Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen.
