Ray M. Gupton III

Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force on October 26, 1955, and served honorably until his separation from Active Duty on November 2, 1959. During his service, he was assigned as a 43131C Aircraft Mechanic working on the F-100 Super Sabre at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He later completed his military service at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he received an honorable discharge.

While serving in the Air Force, Ray met Raylene Dey. The two were married from June 22, 1959 until 1970 and together they had six children.

Throughout his life, he worked in the construction trades, home building, painting interiors and exteriors, plumbing, electrical and roofing. He was hired to build professional grade custom cabinets. He owned and managed an apartment complex. Hobbies included creating wood projects like rocking chairs, cabinets, and magazine racks just to name a few. In his earlier days, he taught a few young people how to drive a car. He loved watching and feeding the birds, dedicated time to reading his bible, and enjoyed car rides to different places.

One of the greatest sources of joy in Ray’s later years was when he met and adopted his dog Happy. His granddaughter Jolene took him to a local animal shelter to pick a furry companion one day. Happy came flying out of his doggy house and right into Ray’s arms, it was love at first sight, the two were inseparable after that. Ray would smile and grin ear to ear while talking about Happy, and when cooking special meals just for Happy. On the day Ray was traveling to his new residence in Houston, Happy came along for the ride and kept him company.

He is preceded in death by: Ruth Valrie Steele (Mother), Ray Miskel Gupton Jr. (Father), Ruth Elizabeth Porter (Sister), Allen Robert Webb Jr. (Brother), William Charles Webb (Brother), Louise Elaine Gupton (Daughter).

Survivors include: Maria DeJesus Hernandez (Spouse 2004), Ray Gupton IV (Son), David Gupton (Son) (Spouse: Stephanie Gupton) , Mary Shriber (Daughter), Timothy Gupton (Son), Robert Gupton (Son), Carlos Gupton (Son), 9 Grandchildren, 6 Great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of life at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023 on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:00 PM.

Interment to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

Our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for all your thoughts and prayers and many other acts of kindness you have shown during this difficult time.