Fred Murphy Raby, Jr.

Fred was born on January 2, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, to his parents Alberta Hayes and Fred Murphy Raby, Sr. As a youth, he was a prodigious and talented athlete. Fred attend Mississippi College on a scholarship to play both baseball and football, an early reflection of the discipline, competitiveness, and drive that would define his life. It was at Mississippi College where he met and soon married the love of his life, Linda Spruill Raby.

Over their 60 years of marriage, Fred and Linda built a life centered on family, faith and service. He is survived by his wife, Linda and by their daughters, Tracey Melchiorre and her husband Mike Melchiorre, and Wendy Chiboroski and her husband John Chiboroski. He was a proud and loving grandfather (affectionately known as “PeePa”) to Cole Harmon; Morgan Richter and her husband Cody; Elijah Melchiorre and Grace Chiboroski; Hope Chiboroski; and a joyful great-grandfather to Brielle Page Richter.

He had a deep love for his family and rarely missed the moments that mattered. From swim meets -- where he nervously paced out of sight, signaling his presence with a familiar whistle -- to cheering on his grandchildren in their sports, Fred showed up with a steady, if sometimes behind-the-scenes, encouragement that never went unnoticed.

Fred built a long-standing and successful career in the investment banking industry. Known as a strong leader, trusted advisor, and results-driven professional, he consistently delivered value for the firms and teams he served, and ultimately as a firm owner himself. His work was marked not just by success, but by consistency, discipline, and a reputation others could rely on.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Fred was truly larger than life. He carried a fun-spirited, youthful energy that drew people in, balanced by a deep sense of discipline and responsibility. He was equal parts a driven leader and lighthearted presence – someone who worked hard, provided faithfully, and brought joy to those around him.

Fred’s faith was steady and quietly powerful, lived out more through action than words, and consistently expressed through generosity, compassion, and care for others. As a member of Tallowood Baptist Church, his life embodied the words of Scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, NIV). One of the most meaningful expressions of his faith was his annual tradition of visiting local children’s hospitals and burn units dressed as Santa Claus. Often joined by his children, Fred brought joy, comfort, and hope to countless children and families during the Christmas season.

Fred was also an avid golfer and dedicated member of the Galveston Country Club, where he served in various leadership roles. Alongside his wife Linda, he was actively involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, supporting fundraising efforts and events. He was also a passionate sports fan and longtime season ticket holder for the Houston Rockets, the Houston Oilers and Texans, and he remained a devoted college football fan with a lifelong connection to the University of Alabama through close friendships.

Fred’s impact was not only measured in professional success, but in the lives he influenced. He invested in people through leadership, encouragement, and example – helping others to grow, succeed, and stay grounded. His legacy is one of provision, presence, and purpose.

A memorial service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on May 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to The Seeing Eye, The Galveston Island Humane Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fred’s life reflects the promise of Scripture: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23, NIV). He ran his race with strength, lived with purpose, and loved deeply – leaving behind a legacy that will continue to impact generations.