Raymond Austin Gressett Jr.

Ray was born January 30, 1963 in Dallas, Texas, to loving parents, who welcomed him into the world on their third wedding anniversary. A brilliant child who was a naturally gifted and self-taught musician, Ray began excelling in guitar playing and singing at the age of 7. He played “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin in the third grade talent show to the amazement of his peers, their parents, and the teachers at Northwood Hills Elementary.

Ray’s biblical knowledge surpassed many scholars, and he learned Hebrew without ever attending a language class. He also used his musical expertise to serve as a Christian praise and worship leader in various churches throughout Austin. Although he struggled with bipolar and addiction issues, Ray found comfort in the promises of the Bible and his relationship with Jesus. One of Ray’s former employers said that “Ray had a heart of gold, almost to his detriment.” There was a simplicity and innocence about the way Ray viewed the world, and he adhered to the verses from Matthew 6:19-21, which read, “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up treasures for yourselves in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

When Ray married Robin in August of 2012, he found the love he had prayed for in life. When she died two years ago, Ray grieved his overwhelming loss with countless visits to her gravesite.

His mother, father, and grandparents preceded his passing, and Ray is survived by his sister and her husband, his three nieces, his aunt, uncle, brother-in-law, and cousins. Ray’s family finds comfort knowing that Ray and Robin are together again in heaven, and Ray is using his many talents to honor the Lord without having to worry about the burdens of this world.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13