Raymond Paul Scaggs

He is survived by his wife Jane, celebrating 60 years of marriage of steadfast love and friendship; son Randy and wife Laurie, son Rodney and wife Mickie; granddaughter Rachael, granddaughter Sara and husband Harry and great-grandson Jason Ray; grandson William and wife Crystal, and grandson Russell.

Ray was born July 27, 1932, in Doniphan, Missouri, by parents Albert and Gladys. He had 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

The family soon moved to Naylor, Missouri, a small woodland rural town. Times were lean, and from a young age, Ray was always eager to help and earn wages for the family. At the age of 10, he worked as a soda jerk during the day at a local pharmacy, while at night running street craps under the pool hall street light. This dark-haired boy with twinkling eyes and a quick smile was always ready for an adventure. He was never afraid to take out on his own, whether by train, bus, or hitching a ride. By 15, he was shining shoes in St. Louis, at 17 workings at a box factory in Rockford, Ill.

At the age of 20, he began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served from 1952-1957. Staff Sergeant Scaggs was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean War. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1960 and was a member of the American Legion Texas Post 560.

In his 30's he got married, started raising a family and working at General Motors, working as a stockbroker, and eventually even starting his own siding company. In his 40's the family moved to Houston, Texas. At 43, he started his own company (Ray Scaggs Construction), which he officially retired from at the age of 62, but remained on as an invaluable partner until his recent passing.

Even after retiring, he often joked he was still trying to decide what he wanted to be when he grew up. While he held many jobs, his finest role was being a constant rock to his family as a husband, father, grandpa, old Pa Pa, brother, and uncle. Whether you were an old friend or visiting for the first time, he always welcomed you with warmth and generosity. He never let you go thirsty!

He loved hanging out with his family and enjoyed dancing, playing poker, grilling, building birdhouses, putting the coffee on, and keeping the candy bowl full. Ray would not want us to be sad for him. He would tell you he lived a good life, and he was content and ready for his "eternal" adventure.

Services will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Private Family gathering 9:00am - 10:00am

Public gathering for Family and Friends 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Memorial service at American Heritage Funeral Home 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Committal Service at Houston National Cemetery 1:15 pm

Instead of flowers, the family encourages donations to one of yours or Ray's favorite charities:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,

Shriner Children's Hospital or Wounded Warrior.