Gordon C. "Ray" Angel

Gordon Conray “Ray” Angel was born in Jacksonville, Florida on November 4, 1934, to Samuel and Beatrice Angel. Ray grew up in Telford, Tennessee on a beautiful family farm. He attended high school and the Military Institute in Telford, Tennessee. Ray had six siblings: Sonny Angel (deceased), Joanne Angel (deceased), Conray Angel (deceased), Deanna Angel (deceased), Karen Angel (who lives in San Diego), and Don Angel (deceased).

In January 1952 Ray joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War conflict. He remained active serving in the 4th Tow Squadron. Ray met June Pence and fell in love, and they were married on December 24, 1952. Ray transferred to George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. They began planning a family there where their first son, David, was born in 1953 followed by their second son, Doug in 1955. In January 1956 he was honorably discharged from the military. Ray was awarded the National Defense Silver Medal and the Good Conduct Medal, given for exemplary conduct.

Ray moved his family where he started working at Convair (a division of General Dynamics) and then to Rohr Industries. Both companies specialize in military aircraft. Ray then began working with his eldest brother at Sonny Angel’s motorcycle shop in National City, California. In September 1963 Ray began working for Acacia Mutual Life Insurance in San Diego where he excelled with his strong work ethics for 29 years. He retired in June, 1992.

Throughout his life, Ray enjoyed hobbies including motorcycle riding, shooting a variety of weapons at the gun range, he enjoyed working on cars, and backpacking with his sons while in Boys Scouts. As a Kiwanis Club member, he helped with youth leadership, making a difference in children’s lives and strengthening community services.

Ray became a Christian in September 1963, influenced by his lifelong friend, Dick Watt who introduced him to Christianity. Also, he was impacted by his Pastor, Tim LaHaye, of Scott Memorial Baptist Church, and Evangelist, Billy Graham. Ray enjoyed attending church and after he moved to Lufkin, Texas he became involved in ministry at the prison.

Ray passed away in Lufkin on January 30, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Marie Angel of 37 years; his sister, Karen Angel; his daughter-in-law, Karen Angel, wife of David Angel (deceased); his son, Doug Angel and his wife, Nancy Angel; his grandchildren, Bryan, Todd, Josh and Kara; his great-grandchildren, Ty, Carter, Colby, Jackson, Sierra, Logan, Addison, Kate, Jack, Eden, and Sutton.

Ray was a loving husband and a very good father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He will be missed by all.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Houston National Cemetery on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:15 am.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gipson Funeral Home.