89. Born the youngest of 12 to James and Mamie Ada (Jones) Gary on November
11, 1929 in Dimmitt, Tx. Living in New Lynn at the age of 12, he accepted Christ.
Raymond spent 4 years serving in the US Navy, traveling to various ports
including Pearl Harbor, Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea. Following his first
tour, he was given 30-days leave, to marry the love of his life, Joyce Tilley on
September 30, 1951 in Tahoka, Tx. Following his service in the Navy, Raymond
went to seminary at Jacksonville Baptist College. For many years, he followed his
dream by pastoring churches throughout east and west Texas. Together, he and
Joyce raised five children: Keith, Kevin, Kimberlye, Kashia and Kathi. His hobbies
included reading, painting, sculpting and writing.
He loved his family, and loved passing along all the knowledge he had gained over
the years.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents James Addison and Mamie
Ada Gary; sisters Inez Gary, Pauline Terry, Mildred Anderson, Oleta Weikel, Irene
Rice and Ada Lou Gary; brothers Alvin, J.L., Lois, Jim and C.W. Gary; wife Nelda
Joyce Tilley, son Keith Ray, daughter Kathi Lynn Brookshire, sons-in-law Craig
Heap and Michael Craig.
Survived by son Michael Kevin Gary and wife Rhonda, two daughters Kim
Heap and Kashia Craig all of Odessa, Tx. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren
and 13 great-grandchildren.
He will be remembered for those delicious desserts, his funny and crazy
stories, his way of teaching, and his craftsmanship in all he did. We will miss the
love he shared with all of us the most.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18