William Ray Laurel

William Ray Laurel, 82 went to be with our Lord peacefully on Saturday January 11, 2025 after a long struggle with heart and kidney disease. Born on January 7, 1943, in Cuero, Texas, to Ruby and George Laurel, Willy was the second youngest of five brothers.

Willy began his career at Engine Service & Grinding as a crankshaft grinder. He later worked under the mentorship of Mr. King, who equipped him with the skills and knowledge to establish and successfully run his own business, Harbor Engine & Grinding.

Willy was married to Susanna Lynn Slosson and for 62 years the couple loved, laughed, held hands, and cherished each other. Together they brought love into this world with their four children. Two sons, Willy Jr Laurel (Tammy) & Gregory Laurel (Maribel) and two daughters, Michelle Barter(Steve) and Tiffany Peterson (Donald). The family continued to grow and now includes twelve grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren with another one on the way. Willy deeply treasured his growing family and relished their frequent visits, which were filled with updates, stories, and love.

He is survived by his brothers, James Laurel (Mary Lee) and David Laurel (Sandra); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom carry fond memories of his love and laughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and George Sr. Laurel; and brothers, George, Mathew, and Arthur.

Our dad has been a part in everyone's lives in some small or big way. There are so many stories to tell. Some we've heard and others we have yet to hear. He was one of a kind, and to be loved by him was to be truly Blessed. He loved traveling the countryside with Susanna in their motorhome, especially to bluegrass festivals, where he could soak up the music he loved so much.

Willy was a man who lived life to the fullest. He had a passion for music and could play just about any instrument he picked up, from the guitar and dobro to the accordion and piano. He loved hunting and processing the game, especially deer.

Willy was a devoted Catholic who cherished his faith, his family, his country, and the people he loved, always putting others before himself.

It is with heavy hearts that we gather to celebrate the life of William Ray Laurel on Friday, January 17, 2025. The family will have a viewing starting at 11:30 am at his parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church (217 W. San Patricio Avenue; Mathis, Texas 78368), followed by a Rosary at 12:30 pm, and a funeral mass at 1:00 pm.

At 3:00 pm, Willy’s grandsons, Jacob Laurel, DJ Peterson, Justin Barter, Joshua Barter, Raymond Adame, Brayden Dennis, and honorary pallbearer Zachary Laurel will accompany him to his final resting place at Memory Gardens Mausoleum (8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415).