Jack Arthur Ray

Jack passed at the age of 80 on July 31, 2023 in Tyler, TX. Jack was a 1962 graduate of Ben Davis High School in Indy. He enlisted in the USAF on March 13, 1964. On August 27, 1965, he married the love of his life, Linda Ruth Burnett in N Little Rock, AR. After serving 21.5 years he retired E8 Sr Master Sgt as an Aircrew Egress Systems Maintenance Instructor/Supervisor. Then he worked 22 years at Bell Helicopter as a manual tech writer, later becoming a programmer. In 2003 he began his 3rd career in Woodworking making numerous projects over the years, best known for turning his cross pens and the crazy leg tables. Jack retired to Gun Barrel City 16 years ago moving to Athens a year ago, after living in Fort Worth 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 55 years, and a granddaughter, Angela Linette Walker.

Survivors include 5 siblings, Raymond Ray (wife Kathy), James Ray, Judith Bryant, Anita Ray (partner Larry Bradley), Robert Ray (wife Pamela);

8 children, Vicki Harrison, Michele Ray (husband James), Jacque Walker (husband Wayne), Clayton Ray (wife Ghie “Gina”), and Michael Bullock;

12 grandchildren, Dan “Tray” Wingo, III (partner LeeAnn Rogers), Kirsten “Kiki” Robinson Wingo (partner Elias Zeidan), Bryan Wingo, Taylor Anderson, Jessica Brown, Jack “JD” Walker, Tanner & Talisha Bullock (twins), Ethan “EJ” Basbas, and Earl Ray, III;

7 great grandchildren, Johnathan “John” Wingo, Alexander “Alex” Wingo, Tressidy Rogers, Kyle Wingo, Gavin & Aisling Rogers (twins), and Shelby Brown;

2 dogs, Toodles, and Toffee; 2 cats, Torrie and Twiggy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

We are wanting to plant a Tree in Dad's honor at the Ray Castle on 207 La Jolla Drive, Athens, TX. When Michael and Michele had their landscaping business, they planted a Memory Tree in their clients yard for the loved one that passed. Any donations made will go to planting an evergreen this fall when it is more conducive to planting with a bench and an "In Remembrance of Jack Ray" plaque. We have the perfect place between the end of the house and the mailbox.