Ray Arlen Penrod

Ray was an active member of First Baptist Church of Harlingen, serving as both a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for many years. Before moving to the Valley, he was also a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Whitelaw Baptist Church in Wood River, Illinois.

He married the love of this life, Nina Crader, on April 17, 1946. They would have been married 70 years next month. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Evah Penrod, six brothers and sisters – Glen Penrod, Wayne Penrod, Ilene Burris, Margie Currin, Paul Penrod, and Bob Penrod. , and an infant granddaughter, Shannon Penrod.

In addition to his wife Nina, surviving are their two sons, Randy (Bettina) Penrod, of Thailand and David (Kathy) Penrod of Maryville, Illinois, one grandson, Wyatt (Elaine) Penrod of Champaign, Illinois and a Great Granddaughter Piper Penrod.

Ray graduated from Dongola, Illinois High School in 1943 and soon after served in the United States Army. After being discharged from the service, he began his career working for Shell Oil at the refinery in Wood River, Illinois. He retired from there in 1984 after 38 years – most of it as operations manager in the production of specialized fuels.

Ray and Nina loved to travel and visited six different continents. They also visited all 50 states. Before moving to Harlingen, Ray was a private pilot and flew his Cessna 150 all over the country. He was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol and flew search missions.

Ray was an avid golfer and loved watching the San Antonio Spurs and the St Louis Cardinals. He also served on the board of Sunshine Estates Country Club.

For many years, he was the highly successful coach of a woman’s softball team in Wood River, Illinois. His teams went undefeated for three straight seasons and won many tournaments and titles.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 9 at Heavenly Grace with graveside service to follow at 1:00 PM. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Heavenly Grace Funeral Home and Cemetery a Dignity Memorial Provider.