Pascal McGuire Ray Jr.

Pascal McGuire Ray, Jr., 84, of Victoria, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2015. He was born in Houston, Texas on January 15, 1931. Pascal grew up in Sinton and Victoria and attended the University of Texas at Austin. He spent time in his parents’ hardware store (Pacray Hardware) before joining the Air Force in 1953.

Pascal retired from the United States Air Force in 1974 after twenty two years of loyal service as an accomplished pilot. He flew the B-47 bomber and was one of the early pioneers of supersonic flight in the B-58 Hustler and the RF-4C Phantom jets. He distinguished himself with tours in both Vietnam and Germany. He earned numerous awards and decorations for valor and heroism and attained the prestigious rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Pascal was a member of First Christian Church of Victoria and a member of the Free Masons.

Pascal leaves behind a loving family and many lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife of almost sixty two years, Margie Ray; their children, Sherry Bennett and husband Kenneth of Pflugerville, Texas, Pascal Ray, III of Houston, and Michael Ray and wife Shirley of Corpus Christi; granddaughter, Jessica Gagnon and husband Roger; great-granddaughter, Sydney Gagnon, all of Corpus Christi; sister, Minnie Lee Shaw of Wimauma, Florida; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Pascal is preceded in death by his parents, Pascal Ray, Sr. and Dorothy Ray; brothers, Frank and Joel Ray; and sister, Bernice Mauldin.

Graveside services for Pascal will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, November 9, 2015 at Memory Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Douglas J. Richardson CH LT TXSG presiding. Full Military Honors will be presented under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Association or the First Christian Church.