A Celebration of Truitt's life will be held at the Forrister Residence in Amarillo Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Truitt was born on July 25, 1940 in Mineola, Texas to Russell Truitt and “Judy” Jewel B Forrister. He was a 1958 graduate of El Paso High School. In 1958, Truitt enlisted in the United State Air Force. For the next four and a half years, he served his country as a Missile Engine Technician and instructor on the Atlas ICBM, Titan ICBM, and the Titan ICBM missiles.
Following his discharge from the service, he would work as an Engineer’s Helper for a general contractor. From 1963 to 1988, he worked for Southwestern Portland Cement Company where he was responsible for maintenance and repair of all plant machinery and equipment; as well as also being responsible for preventative maintenance, inventory, and was involved in all phases of cement production and quality control.
Following his retirement form Southwestern Portland Cement Company in 1988, he would work in the Maintenance Department for the City of Amarillo before taking a job with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a Correctional Officer at the William P. Clements Unit from 1989 to 2001 before finally retiring.
Ray loved working with his hands and was a skilled fabricator. He would design and make intricate knives, impressive BBQ grills, and a large variety of leather products. In his spare time, he also loved restoring and maintaining classic cars, as well riding and working on motorcycles.
Truitt was preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Karen Lee Forrister, sons Russell Lee Forrister and wife Margie, and Truit Ray Forrister and wife Jenny, sister Cathey Forrister; and his grandchildren Andrew, Stephanie, and Victoria.
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