Meade Army Base, Maryland on March 8, 1937 and took his last flight from Earth on
July 22, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Ray grew up with his four siblings in Dorsey, MD. After
completion of Air Force ROTC at the University of Maryland, Ray began a long
active-duty career. During his 28 years of military service he flew in B66s and RF-4Cs
and was stationed in locations around the world such as England (where he met his
wife, Leila), Thailand, California, South Carolina, Hawaii and Texas. He was awarded
multiple USAF citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious
Service for bravery under fire in a combat theater.
After “retiring”, Ray put more time into his “hobby” of taxes, working at H&R Block for 30
years. Additionally, he worked for many years as a stockbroker associate, increasing his
love for numbers and helping others with tax and financial advice.
Ray’s easy-going attitude was appreciated by everyone who knew him. Leila and Jane,
his daughter, would often come up with adventures for them. His navigational skills from
the Air Force came in handy the last few years on the road trips. He rode in the
backseat, using his Garmin GPS to direct Jane on where to drive and to monitor for
speed infractions. In addition to road trips, their expeditions included places such as
Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, South Africa, and Norway.
Ray transferred the family from Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawaii to Shepherd of the
Hills Lutheran Church in Westlake Hills, TX in 1979 and was an active member of the
congregation for over 40 years. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor
and willingness to help with anything that needed to be done; from yard work to
building maintenance, bulletin folding to coffee drinking.
Everyone knew Ray’s favorite thing was to get people laughing, through teasing or
jokes. The stories of the laughter and warmth he brought to the room are endless.
Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Leila, his son, Paul (Samantha) Tackett,
daughter Jane Tackett, Sisters/Sister-in-laws: Sylvia Ann Glant, Ada Watkins, Eunice
Simbalenko and Joan Curtis, Brother/Brother-in-laws: James (Clara) Tackett, Paul
(Ruth) Pederson, Merle Pederson and Marvin (Teri) Pederson, many special nieces,
nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and
Evelyn Tackett, brother/brother-in-laws, Walter Tackett, Lee Simbalenko and Ray
Pederson, Sister-in-law Carol Pederson, nephews Sean Pederson and Josh Chambers
and many loving friends.
Ray will be remembered not just for his sense of humor, but MOSTLY for his strong faith
in God, his honesty, acceptance, humility and integrity. Wonderful character traits to live
by! Although we will miss him, our faith helps us rest assured his laughs are continuing
in heaven with those that have gone before. Our memories of laughing with him will
keep him close to us forever.
Memorial Services will be Saturday, August 14th at 4:30pm at Shepherd of the Hills
Lutheran Church 3525 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX. (Please note as of now: The CDC
and Travis County are recommending masks for all people, vaccinated and not
vaccinated, when attending an indoor public space.) The service will be livestreamed at
this link: https://bit.ly/TackettMemorial Interment will be at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
where the money will go to mission outreach such as Meals on Wheels and Bread For
All Food Pantry. Use this link for donations: https://onrealm.org/shephills/give/Ray
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