Ray "Bitsy" Alan Rich

Ray Alan “Bitsy” Rich, 56, peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 30, 1960 in Orange, Texas to Linwood Clifford and Patricia Ann Dillon Rich. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jody Rich. Ray is survived by his children, Lindi Kudlacek and husband Ryan, Mandy Smith and husband Terry, and Brandon Rich and wife Whitney; grandchildren, Allie Darr, Brady Darr, Parker Kudlacek, Landon Rich and Luke Rich; sister, Ann West and husband Ray; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Ray accepted Christ in high school and later attended The Pathway Church. “Bitsy” as Ray was fondly known, began working at the age of 18 years old at Big Three Industries (which later became Air Liquide) and continued his work for over 30 years. During this time, he was also employed with O’Rourke Distributors for about 10 years. He was known as a fun loving, family man, who was the life of the party, told great, and sometimes exaggerated stories, and lived life serving others. “Bitsy” was active in the Deer Park community where he was a baseball and football coach and at times was referee and umpire. Two of his loves, outside of his family, were fishing and hunting. “What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 5-8 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2 PM in the Grand Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.