Lewis Edward Ray

Lewis was born on August 5, 1926 in Brownwood, Texas. He was the firstborn child of Lewis E. Ray, Sr. and Frances Josephine Francis. In his early years, Lewis Sr. worked for the railroad and the family moved back and forth between Brownwood, Texas and Clovis, New Mexico as his father’s job required. Lewis was drafted into World War II in January of 1945, and served in the Army in the Pacific area following Japan’s surrender. Upon his return to Texas in October of 1946, he enrolled in Daniel Baker College, where he graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Subsequently, Lewis attended Howard Payne College, graduating with a Master’s of Education in 1956.

His first job after graduation was teaching the spring semester sixth grade class at Richland Springs Elementary. Lewis then taught and coached in Hamilton, Texas from 1952 to 1960, where he met Helen Louise Rabbe, whom he married on June 11, 1960. Lewis and Helen then moved to Houston, Texas, where Lewis began a 32-year career at Woodland Acres Middle School in the Galena Park School District. Known to all as “Coach Ray,” he taught 8th grade math and coached football, girls and boys basketball, and track. When he retired, Lewis said that of all he had accomplished in his 32 years of teaching and coaching, he was proudest of his having taught all three of his daughters, and his teams winning two Girls Basketball District Championships.

Following his retirement in 1992, Lewis and Helen returned to Hamilton, Texas, where they enjoyed spending time with their extended family, their children, and their grandchildren.

Lewis Ray is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helen Louise Rabbe Ray, three daughters, Stacy Ray Allensworth (and her husband Wayne), Kimberly Ray, and Sharla Ray, and three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Matthew Allensworth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Sr. and Josephine Ray, brothers Hubert Benjamin Ray and Robert Macey Ray, and sister Wilda LaVerne Ray Adams.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, April 8, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., and the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, Texas. A graveside service at the New IOOF Cemetery in Hamilton will immediately follow the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 11860 F.M. 218W, Pottsville, Texas 76565. Riley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Please leave online condolences at www.rileyfuneral.com.