Raymond "Ray" Kent Shotwell

Ray’s faith became sight on November 12, 2022 at 5:00 a.m. with his darling wife and friends at beside. He shared the Gospel and fought until the end. Ray was ready to enter his eternal home.

Ray was born in Providence Hospital in Waco, TX on June 25, 1945 to Rev. Robert Raymond (Bob) Shotwell and Dorothy Marshall Shotwell. He lived in McGregor while his dad was in Southwest Seminary. Ray started school in Hamilton where his dad pastored. He later moved to Portland, TX where his dad also pastored. Ray graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1963 and started working for Charlie Marshal Funeral Home, the beginning of a life-long journey in the industry. He decided to move to Houston and attend Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, where he graduated in 1965. He moved to Elgin when a friend from Mortuary school gave him the opportunity to work at his funeral home and reside at the location. During this season, he met the love of his life, Carol Pritchard. They joined in holy matrimony on September 9, 1967 and continued to live in the funeral home, until the U.S. Military intervened. Ray was sworn into the Army on April 15, 1968, served basic training at Fort Bliss and went to Quarter Master School at Fort Lee, Virginia. By early September, he was in Vietnam, where he served in Graves Registration. After returning in 1969, he finished his service out at Fort Hood. Ray was honorably discharged on April 1, 1971 with a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Marksman (Rifle). His Vietnam stories never ended; we will surely miss hearing them.

Ray moved back to Houston and continued his journey in the industry at Heights Funeral Home, under the direction of Robert Waltrip. He joined White Oak Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon. Ray purchased a funeral home in Van Horn and decided to move there on October 31, 1978. In his spare time, he served as a Van Horn Volunteer Fireman, Chairman of the hospital board, music director at FBC and associational music director for a while. He was a dedicated member and President of Rotary Club, where he was presented the Paul Harris Award. He and Carol were Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the year in 1985. After twelve years, he decided to make Houston his home again. In 1990, Ray became the manager of Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park and eventually became President in 1999. He was responsible for overseeing three locations and projecting their presence in the community. He remained active in community affairs as a member of many organizations including: Melrose Lodge #1294 A.F & A.M, Humble-Intercontinental Rotary Club, VFW, North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce, North Houston Business Association, Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service Scholarship Committee and Alumni Association Life Membership. Ray also served on the board of directors for Aldine College Endowment Scholarship Foundation, Aldine Improvement District, President of the Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association from 1996-1997 and Vice President of Southeast Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA), where he was Director of the Year from 2003-2004. He was a life member of TFDA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Scottish Rite, Arabia Shriners and Master Mason in good standing of Frontier Lodge No. 766 in Alpine, TX. In November of 1993, as a member of the TFDA Disaster Committee, Ray served with the Missouri TFDA restoring the Hardin Cemetery after it was devastated by flood waters. He enjoyed spending time reading library books to children at Hinojosa EC/PK Center and telling amazing stories to anyone who would listen. He later retired from Brookside and continued his journey by establishing Southeast Texas Crematory in 2013. Ray had a flourishing business and decided to enjoy his full retirement in 2019 to dedicate his days to his wife, friends, church family, watching his Astros and college football.

Ray was a dedicated member of Second Baptist Church – North Campus. He diligently studied and shared the word of God. Ray would take on challenges during Sunday school. He loved watching Dr. David Jeremiah and was following his suggestion to write certain books of the Bible by hand. His notebooks included: Romans, John, Colossians and Hebrews. He memorized scripture and quoted many verses during his battle. Most often, Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. He assured his loved ones that his faith was secured and his soul anchored in Christ. Ray was an all-around caring person, who never met a stranger. His smile and laughter could soften the hardest heart. To know him was to love him and missing him will last until we see him again…

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Richard (Dick) Shotwell. His memories will forever be cherished by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Carol Pritchard Shotwell; sister, Sue Shotwell of Duncanville, TX; nieces: Leah Koontz, Krista Bishop, Sheri Davis and Kari Flex; sister-in-law, Shirley Shotwell; brother-in-law, Raymond Pritchard; sister-in-law, Claire Pritchard; niece, Rayeleen Gregory and nephew, Mike Pritchard.

Floral tributes will be received at Brookside Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions in honor of Ray can be sent to: Gospel Lakes Ranch, P.O. Box 67, New Waverly, TX 77358-0067. Contact # 936-767-5055; www.gospellakes.org

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 17th at Brookside Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 18th at Second Baptist Church – North Campus, 22770 US-59, Humble, TX 77339. The committal service will follow in Brookside Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Shotwell family.