Sam was born June 5, 1935 to Joseph C. Ray and Daisy Patterson Ray in Brownsville, Texas. He was raised in Port Isabel and Darien, Georgia. A graduate of Port Isabel High School, he was most at home on or near the water.
Sam’s character was shaped in part by the major events of his childhood, especially the Great Depression and World War II. He sought a life of stability, dignity through work, and service to country which manifested in military service in the U.S. Army and a lifelong civil service career. Following his graduation from Texas A&M University in 1958, Sam met Rose Jeanette Hartman of Corpus Christi; the two married in 1960 and settled in Victoria in 1963. For 55 years, Sam and Jeanette shared a life of love and faith together, separated only by Jeanette’s passing in 2016.
Through Jeanette’s strong faith, Sam found a spiritual home in Catholicism, a gift that enriched his life immensely. They had three children and were active parishioners at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral and supporters of OLV Catholic School and St. Joseph High School.
Sam worked for the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor in Victoria, Corpus Christi, and Houston, before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed reading, hunting and fishing and watching college football, especially the Aggies. He found joy in traveling, trying new things and dancing. His children will always remember how much he loved to sing at mass on Sundays. In his later years, he traveled often with his children and grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Sam's quiet and gentle presence positively influenced those he met. His relaxed and welcoming spirit made everyone around him feel like family. He will be remembered as a patient and kind man who loved greatly, thought deeply, and served humbly. The ideal father, he is dearly loved and will be missed by his family and loved ones.
In his passing, Sam reunites with his beloved wife, Jeanette, his parents, and his brothers, Jarrett and Joseph Ray. Memories of Sam will be cherished by his daughter, Samantha Burris and husband, Doug, of Hockley; daughter, Erin Ray and husband, John Stormberg, of Fort Davis; son, James-Ryan Ray and wife, Rebecca, of Conroe; grandchildren Jacob and Samuel Ray, and Amaya, Nathaniel, Lila, and Marin Burris, as well as his brother-in-law, James Hartman, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will welcome visitors at 9am on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. A Rosary will be said at 9:30am followed by Mass at 10am. A reception will be held in the cathedral center immediately after the mass. Sam will be interred next to Jeanette at the Nixon Cemetery at 2:30pm. Serving as pallbearers are Michael Hartman, John Stormberg, Doug Burris, Jacob Ray, Samuel Ray and Nathaniel Burris.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
