Ray was born and lived in Pflugerville, where he was known as a larger than life character whose number of accomplishments was surpassed only by his number of friends. In high school, Ray was integral in helping the Panthers become “the winningest team in history”. After graduation, Ray joined the United States Navy and served as a sonar man and later, a recruiter. His winning streak continued after he began work at AT&T, where he met and wooed the love of his life, Shirley Ann Batto. Ray married Shirley as soon as she would agree and left, in his words, “a trail of broken hearts.” Ray and Shirley set off on a great life adventure, adding four children to their happy team in quick succession. Ray so much enjoyed fatherhood that he threw himself whole-heartedly into every activity in which his children were involved. What started as coaching all their sports escaladed to leadership roles on Little League Board and as President of the Pflugerville Youth Basketball Association. Ray’s community involvement extended beyond sports. He also held positions with the Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, and Manville Water. His love of God and family catalyzed his deep involvement with St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, a foundation which he literally built with his own hands. He proudly served as State Director for the Catholic Union of Texas (KJT) for 12 years and was responsible for raising funds for hundreds of college scholarships. Perhaps the times he enjoyed most were barbequing with friends for countless fundraisers and socials. No wonder he was honored as Pflugerville’s very first Citizen of the Year!
Witnessing Ray and Shirley spend so much of their time enjoying friends, family, charity, and food made his children passionate about these same endeavors. He was also an avid history buff and loved to travel. Each summer, the Pokorneys piled into the family van for cross-country exploration of every National Park, battlefield, state capitol and of course, wineries and breweries along the way. His zest for life can be seen in the way his children now live and raise their own families. Ray is survived by his wife Shirley Ann, children Ryan Joseph Pokorney (Staci), Celeste Gabrielle Oliver (Jarod), Tara Dawn Taraba (Daniel), and Tristan Cody Pokorney (Erica). Papa Ray also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Ava and Alivia Taraba and Jameson and Quinn Oliver.
Visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks on Monday, June 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 5th at 10:00 a.m., with a celebration of his life at the church hall immediately after interment.
In lieu of flowers, Ray would have loved donations to the foundation he chartered in his mother’s name, the KJT Society 132 Agnes Pokorney Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please use the website below.
https://kjtnet-org.sites.ecatholic.com/agnes-pokorney-scholarship-fund-in-memory-of-ray-pokorney
Visit Ray’s memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalpark.com where you can share memories and leave condolences for his family.
