Paul Edward Ray

Mr. Paul Edward Ray, age 88, of Longview, previously of Gilmer, passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Longview Regional Medical Center.
A committal service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Mausoleum at Rosewood Park Cemetery. 1884 FM 1844 Seven Pines Rd. Longview, TX 75605, with Bro. Marion Palmer officiating.

Paul was born at the family farm in Upshur County on December 18, 1929 to the late Ellis Ray and Myrtle Effie (Barrett) Ray. He graduated from the former East Mountain High School, where he starred on the Boys Basketball Team, leading them to three consecutive state titles. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a long haul driver, retiring as a Freight Terminal Manger. After retiring, he was the Team Driver for Lamar University Athletics in Beaumont. Paul loved driving the open road, watching his Dallas Cowboys, travelling, cooking, and recently he enjoyed watching the Baylor Bear’s Women’s Basketball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Phyllis Ray; brother, Harmon Bruce Ray; sisters, Vivian Inez Ray Peel, Laurine Ray Hill, and Norma Ruth Ray Thompson; grandson, Ben Cessna.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mrs. Mary (Nance) Ray of Longview; sons, Corbett Ray and wife Liz of Dallas, Clint Ray and wife Janna of Beaumont, Greg Ray and wife Julie of Greer, SC.; daughter, Rhonda Shearer of Arkadelphia, AR., grandchildren, Nathan Ray, Ryan Cessna, J.C. Cessna, Mari Ann Cobb, Claire Ray Dorsett, Hannah Ray Pirie, Jennifer Boone, Stephen Boone; six great-grandchildren, brother, Ellis Wayne Ray; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the: American Cancer Society.