Jose "Ray" Raymond Marcos

Jose Raymond “Ray” Marcos, age 96, peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Santa Clara, Utah. Born on January 20, 1929, in Tampa, Florida, to Ramon and Celia Marcos, Ray married Sherrell “Marleen” Rooks on November 27, 1964. They shared a loving marriage for 61 years.

Ray graduated from Plant High School in 1948 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Columbia Bible College in 1952. He later obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tampa in 1964, becoming the first in his family to do so. Ray dedicated over 30 years to teaching Spanish at Buchanan Middle School in Tampa, where his innovative methods inspired countless students. Even after retirement, he continued to teach as a substitute.

During summers, Ray and his family traveled to southern Minnesota, where he preached at migrant camps, connecting deeply with the community through his fluency in Spanish. His efforts led many to embrace their faith. Ray's unwavering devotion to Jesus was evident in his daily life, impacting family, friends, and students.

Ray is survived by his wife, Marleen; daughter Rachel (Jon) Hardy; sons Eric (Silvia) Marcos and Keith (Eileen) Marcos; his five grandchildren, Lauren, Sarah, and Christian Marcos, Saige Lassiter, and Alexa (Josh) Bera; and his two great-grandchildren, Micah and Elijah Lassiter.

The family expresses gratitude to Amada Senior Care, Zion’s Way Home Health & Hospice, and The Grace Place church for their support.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on February 28, 2025, at Grace Family Church (8610 Temple Terrace Hwy, Tampa, FL 33637) with viewing at 11:00 am and service at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Garden of the Good Shephard (2323 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511).

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillsboromemorial.com