Ray Betak

On Monday, September 7, 2026, Ray Dan Betak, age 82, left his earthly home in Bastrop, Texas, to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Taylor, Texas on December 06, 1943, to Lee and Lucy Betak.

On May 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Gloria Matthews, and they shared 62 wonderful years together. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Tanya.

He accepted the Lord as his Saviour and loved serving in any capacity in the church. He loved singing and worshiping God. He thoroughly enjoyed being with the family of God. He wrote his name in just about every hymnal in the church. Whatever book you picked up, you would find “Ray’s Song” or “Ray’s Book” in multiple places!

Our yearly family trips to Port Aransas, Texas were something that he looked forward to. He enjoyed fishing, eating good seafood and sightseeing around the island. He enjoyed playing dominoes and was a die-hard Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan. His happiest times were spending time with family and friends, talking about the good old days.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Matthews Betak; his parents, Lee and Lucy Betak; his brothers, Charlie, Edward, James and his twin brother, Roy.

He is survived by his beloved children, Michael Deane Betak and Tanya Raylene Betak, his grandson Benjamin Lee Betak, his wife, Melanie, and a great granddaughter, Avalon Belle. Also, numerous nieces and nephews. He was without a doubt the best dad and Pawpaw this side of Heaven.

He also adopted “in love” Ralph and Kim Fikes, Nathanael Walker, Stephanie Teague and family (June, Michael, Muziq, Lyric, Gage, Harmony and Jaxon) and Merry Bell. Sam Macklin, you were his buddy that he so enjoyed spending time with. He had great love for them all and they held a special place in his heart. He was honored to be called Dad, Grandpa, Pawpaw and Buddy!

One of his favorite songs was “Just a Little Talk With Jesus”, so to those left behind…if he could, he would say, “I’ve gone to have a little talk with Jesus”.

On behalf of the family, we give a heartfelt thank you to our friends, family and End Tyme Fellowship family for their prayers and for being with us during this time. Thank you as well to Trinity Hospice. A special thank you to Alma for caring for dad. A heartfelt thank you to Marie, his nurse. Thank you for your care, concern, guidance, direction and all the hugs along this path. Words simply cannot express our gratitude. You are a special individual sent by God into our life.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 13, from 6:00-8:00pm at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin, Texas.

A funeral service will be held Monday, September 14, at 10:00am at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin, Texas.

Interment will be at Elgin City Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, it was dad’s wish that contributions be made in his name to End Tyme Fellowship, PO Box 857, Bastrop, Texas 78602.