Ray Aurelio Vargas

Ray Vargas passed away on May 16 , 2011 at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on March 15, 1930 in Matanzas, Cuba, the only son of Angela Soler and Aurelio Vargas.

Ray had several passions. One was his family, who he loved very much. Major League Baseball was also a great passion of his…his beloved SF Giants. He coached his sons, grandsons and many other children in Little League Baseball – all who benefited from his expertise. After graduating from High Point College in 1953, he began his career with Burlington Industries, where he worked for 37 years; also serving our country in the US Army for two years. Upon retiring from Burlington Industries, he began substituting in the Wake County School System and taught until recently, making an impact on students and teachers alike. All who met Ray loved him.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Angela and Aurelio, and most recently by his great-grandson, Jacob Foster. Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years, Carolyn, three children, Michael Vargas and wife, Dawn of Wake Forest, Angie Pool and her husband, Murray of Wrightsville Beach, Steve Vargas and his wife, Patti of Raleigh, six grandchildren, Brian Foster and his wife Heather, Jason, Ben, Caitlin & Carson Vargas, and one great-grandson, Matthew Foster. He also leaves behind two step-grandchildren, Murray Pool, Jr. and wife, Danielle, Jennifer McMaster and husband, Luke, and three step great-grandsons, Preston, Connor and Angus, as well as many other relatives in NC, VA, FL, Mexico, Argentina and Spain, all of whom will miss him greatly.

The family will receive friends and family at Browne-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC 27605, from 6-8 pm on May 17, 2011. A celebration of his life will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 520 West Holding Ave., Wake Forest, NC 27587, on May 18 at 10 am.

The family would like to thank all of the kind and generous nurses and friends who have helped him through this difficult time, with a special thank you to Magdalena, who was with us every day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Building Fund at St. Catherine’s or Hospice of Wake County.