Raymond Lee Mckim II

Raymond Lee McKim, Jr. (II), 86, passed away to be with our Lord and Savior (and his wife) on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Ray was born to Ray L. McKim, Sr. and Clara Smith McKim on August 24, 1924 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He moved to Parkersburg, W. Virginia and graduated from Parkersburg High in 1942. He attended West Virginia University for eight months until he was drafted in May 1943 into the army where he served in the Anti-Aircraft Corps.

Ray attended Infantry O.C.S. in France in 1944 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Infantry Platoon Commander at Fontainebleau, France in 1945. He was lucky enough to have experienced no actual combat during his total of 2 years/4 months in the service, although overseas for 13 months.

In October of 1945, Ray matriculated at the University of Texas at Austin and earned his BBA degree in Marketing with highest honors in June of 1948. It was there that he met Helen Crone and later married the love of his life on August 27, 1949 in Fort Stockton, Texas.

They began their early marriage in Odessa, Texas, then went back to the University of Texas in 1952 where Ray earned a law degree from the Texas University School of Law in 1955. He became a licensed attorney and practiced law until 1968 when he ran for and was elected the first Republican District Judge in the State of Texas. He served as District Judge of the 161st District Court for four terms, and during that time was appointed to serve as Presiding Judge of the 2nd Administrative Judicial District of Texas and also served as President of the Ector County Bar Association in 1970.

Ray and Helen moved to Midland, Texas upon his retiring from the 161st bench in 1984. He continued to serve as a Senior (Retired) State District Judge from 1984-2009 in courts all over the state of Texas. They moved to San Angelo in 2001 to live their remaining years in their home on Lake Nasworthy.

On October 27, 2004, Ray was awarded the Public Sector Recognition Award of Texas Alpha in recognition of the honor that he has brought to Phi Kappa Psi through his career in the legal field as an outstanding State District Judge and his community service.

Ray was fortunate to have received many honors, but was most proud of his service to the Lord. He and Helen were devoted to their churches of membership which included St. Paul Presbyterian Church and the Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord in Odessa, Texas; First Presbyterian Church in Midland, Texas; and, St. Mark Presbyterian Church of San Angelo, Texas.

Ray was a devoted husband for 62 years to his lovely wife, Helen, who passed away this March 2, 2011. He was very lonely and heartbroken at her passing.

Judge Ray McKim leaves behind his children, Raymond L. McKim, III and his wife, Betty of Midland, Texas and Karyl L. McKim Knowles and her husband, Chris of San Angelo, Texas. Surviving grandchildren are Macki Ray (Raymond L. McKim, IV) and Mallory McKim of Midland; Cameron, Tyler and Megan Albrecht of San Angelo; Sonja and Jeff Leary of Midland; Jason and Mauri Hopper of Midland; and, Josh, Jake and Kassidy Knowles of Fort Worth.

He is also survived by his sister, Marguerite Kent of Pecos, Texas and her children, Lyn Jones, Robert and Moss Kent and their respective children.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Midland, Texas. Officiating clergy will be Rev. Steve Schorr from First Presbyterian Church and Rev. Ben Hubert from First Christian Church Disciples of Christ of San Angelo. A luncheon will be served following the service for those traveling. Burial services will be performed by Rev. James Anderson that same day at 5:00pm at East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton, Texas, where Ray will rest eternally by his wife.

Ray may be viewed on Thursday, May 12th at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo until Friday prior to his interment in Fort Stockton.

A “come and go” reception invitation is extended to friends and family in honor of the Judge at his home, 2424 Rock Slough, San Angelo, on Saturday, May 14th at 6:00 pm.

Flowers may be recognized at either Johnson’s Funeral Home or First Presbyterian Church in Midland. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ or St. Mark Presbyterian Church in San Angelo would be appreciated, or any church or charity of your choice.

A special thanks goes to Jimmy and Marilyn Luthi. Jimmy was great comfort and assistance for Helen and Ray for many years. A special acknowledgement to Mr. Greg Gossett for his kindness and concern as well!

Ray’s favorite pleasures were gathering with friends and family, golfing, boating, bird watching, playing cards/games at 5:00 with his wife, cold beer and watching Longhorn football! Hook’em Horns, Dad!!! - We love and miss you!!!

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.