Ray Carl Reakes

He was born in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania on July 18, 1950. Growing up, his family nicknamed him "Butch". He grew up in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania, prior to his tour of duty in the Army where he served in Korea. He later moved to Texas where he met and married his wife, Anna M. Reakes, of 40 years. They shared 3 generations of children. Three children: Margo Marroquin (husband, Joe Marroquin), and twins, Nicholas Reakes and Nicole Reakes. Three grandchildren: David A. Medlin, Kaylyn Minor, and Alina Minor. Two great-grandchildren: Aubrie Medlin and David A Medlin II.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Geraldine Reakes, and brothers: Leonard Reakes and Franklin Reakes. He is survived by his brothers, Wilson Reakes Sr., Michael/Sharon Reakes, and sister, Ethel/Jim McCabe, along with a very large, extended family.

From the hearts of his children:

Our Dad was not a mushy man but we knew we were loved. Ray made each one of his kids feel special in his own way. When I was 12 years old, I won tickets to a Hip Hop Concert. Though Hank Williams Jr. was more my Dad’s style but he didn’t complain and took me; he even danced a little. What an experience! As we grew up, our Dad was the present dad. He was our chauffeur, ponytail maker, tutor, chef, biggest supporter and protector. He was very thoughtful. I always loved when he would go to the store and surprise me with a bag of Funyuns. When his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born, he earned another proud title, "Popo". All of a sudden, mushy became part of his vocabulary and instantly he had favorites…all of them. Our father had a sarcastic sense of humor. One of his favorite quotes he would tell us and our friends was, “Come again when I’m not home.” But if we didn’t visit often enough, he would complain that we never came over. Our handsome blue-eyed father will be missed and we are the lucky ones to have had him love us.

One of my favorite memories of Dad was when we lived at the apartments and I remember him zipping me up in the old, blue suitcase (that mom still has), and was carrying me around. I just remember how excited I felt. I loved how he was at all of my baseball games. There was never a time that he wouldn't walk over to the dugout and ask "Hey, you want a Gatorade?" and then give me a red or blue Gatorade. After the game on the way home, he would tell me how well I did and how I could improve. Like, telling me to hit more into the gaps or to look where the space was and adjust that way. He really had an interest in my playing.

My favorite memories of my Dad is the way he loved my mom. We would have annual shopping sessions so he could physically pick out gifts for her. He always loved to pick out and buy her cute pajamas. He never missed a birthday, Valentine's Day, or Christmas. Even when sick, he made sure his wife had flowers, candy, and a card. He may have never said he loved you but he always showed it in other ways. Funny story, my Dad had his little sidekick, Rufus. Now, mind he bathed and brushed this male dog on a regular basis for a year. After his first grooming, my Dad was upset as they placed a pink bow on Rufus. When he asked why the bow, they responded because “he” is a girl! We all laughed, as he kept the name…”a girl named Rufus”.

From the hearts of his grandkids:

I love you, Popo. You were my Grandpa but you were really my Dad. You always loved me and never judged, no matter my decisions. You had a beautiful heart, always loved. I miss you and always thinking of you.

Popo used to pick up my sister and I after school every day in elementary through high school. Even though he said he hated it and always complained, we knew he loved doing it because he would sometimes sing country songs to us. When he felt like it was hot outside, he would also take us to QT to get us a drink.

I love how he called me “Smiley” and I knew how to make him smile. Whenever my Popo yelled at me and I would get sad, he would always come back and apologize. He could never be mad at me.

From great-grandkids:

Some of my favorite memories with Popo is when he would pick me up from school every day and get me McDonalds every time. He would complain about how he hated how bad the traffic was or how crazy the drivers were. He would also make sure he had mini pancakes or cereal at his house because he knew I only liked to eat those two things. He always had a sarcastic personality and he acted like he didn’t want you to be there or talk to him but he always loved our company. He was super funny and he was always the best to be around. Everyone knew he loved Kaylyn, Alina and I and he would never show love to anyone else (because they wanted him to). I remember every time we would come over, he acted like he hated to be hugged by my Grandma... but he loved to give me hugs. He would laugh and sarcastically smile at my Grandma just to tease her.

I only had the opportunity to know my Popo for 9 days but he was right, I do look like my Mom and I love to have my feet rubbed. I wish I was able to get to know him longer.

All we can say is that we knew he loved us with all his heart. He was always trying to feed us or give us money, but most of all, he would give us great big hugs with a smile on his face. That love will always be in our hearts. We love you, Popo.

A visitation for Ray will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. A mass will occur Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 600 S Jupiter Rd, Richardson, TX 75081. A reception will occur Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 11:30 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 600 S Jupiter Rd, Richardson, TX 75081. A committal service will occur Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Reakes family.