Richard E. Ray

Richard Earl Ray, 83, of Jersey Village, Texas, passed away on July 19, 2026. He was born in Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas, on March 9, 1943, to Christine (Jones) Ray and William Gilbert Ray. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eva Lou (Allen) Ray; his parents; his brother, Maurice Ray (Charlotte); and his sisters, Joyce Golden (Ted) and Joann Miller. He is survived by his two daughters, Tammy Barringer and her husband Kirk, and Jennifer Bull and her husband Rick; six grandchildren, Kyle Barringer, Melissa Barringer Hinton (Truman), Rachel Barringer, Kaylee Bull, Lauren Bull, and Grace Bull; and two great-grandchildren, Aurora and Sadie.

Richard graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1961 and later attended the University of Houston. Although his formal studies in architecture were brief, his talent was lasting; he designed the first home where he and Eva welcomed their two daughters. Richard spent over 60 years in the technology industry, rising from a computer programmer to Vice President. His career spanned many notable organizations, including NASA, Gulf States Toyota, First Continental Mortgage, Statesman National Life, and American General. An entrepreneur at heart, he also founded his own companies, Maranatha Systems Inc. and Cornerstone, creating and providing specialized computer systems for local churches.

Faith and church community were cornerstone elements of Richard’s life. He served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and on various church committees for many years at Jersey Village Baptist, Clay Road Baptist, and Westway Baptist. Outside of his professional and church life, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a skilled craftsman, an admirer of vintage cars, a devoted Astros fan, and a weekly NASCAR viewer. Richard loved his country, was also a diehard Republican and proud Trump supporter.

Richard's love story with Eva began in the third grade at Barrick Elementary. On his very first day, a young Eva went home and told her mother that she was going to marry the new boy in class. They grew up attending the same schools through high school graduation. In September 1963, they went on their first date, became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1964, and wed on March 21, 1964. Together, they shared 58 years and 34 days of faithful, loving marriage, anchored by God’s grace. When Eva was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and later began experiencing health complications and falls in 2014, Richard completely dedicated himself to her care. He served as her devoted caretaker until her passing in 2022, always viewing it as a privilege to care for the love of his life.

Richard was defined by his exceptionally caring, generous, and giving spirit. Family meant everything to him. Blessed by God, he was always ready to extend a helping hand to anyone in need—whether providing furniture, a vehicle, a computer, an appliance, or whatever else was required. In March, Richard suffered two consecutive strokes, during which he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Facing this diagnosis with clear-minded grace, he chose not to pursue treatment, knowing his time was short and peace was ahead.