Richard Wayne Ray's Obituary
I am saddened to announce the passing of Richard Wayne Ray at home on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the age of 85. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and will always hold a place in our hearts
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Henry Ray, Inez Marie Benedict, brother Arthur Gordon Ray.
He is survived by his former spouse; Erna Jo Church of Brackettville, brother; Michael Allen Ray of North Carolina, one daughter; Judith Inez Ray of Alabama, one son; Arthur Kelly Ray of New Mexico. One grandchild of New Mexico.
He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on July 19, 1936 and worked on a farm with his father and brothers. He left home in 1958 to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force and served for 20 years around the world and during different military campaigns from post Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War period. He retired from the Air Force and taught ROTC for the Air Force in the Texas High School System in Eagle Pass, Texas for 15 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and all aspects of guns from gunsmithing, shooting, reloading ammo, collecting guns in all their types and varieties. He had a passion for flying and airplanes from a young age. He earned his FAA flight certificate so he could venture into the heavenly bliss of the skies above the earth that he could enjoyed when he flew. He also earned his flight instructor certification so he could share his passion of flying with others. He retired to live at Fort Clark Springs Community in 1989 where he lived for 33 years. He enjoyed many of the activities and benefits the Fort offered him during that time from playing golf to the activities at the community center to storing and flying his Commander Lark 180 at the Fort’s airport and hangar.
A Graveside Services held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Kinney County Cemetery, Brackettville, Texas.
In remembrance of Richard Wayne Ray's passion for flying and in lieu of flowers, please send donation to Air Care Alliance (https://www.aircarealliance.)
Services are entrusted to Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home, 424 Geraldine St., Uvalde, Texas.
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