Kevin Ray

J Kevin Ray, of Bryson, Texas, passed away on May 29, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, while embraced by his beloved wife, Lisa, following a courageous six-month battle with a rapidly progressive illness. He was 66 years old.

Kevin was born on December 7, 1959 at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois and was raised in Derby, Kansas. He was the son of Jack O'Neal Ray, an Army pilot, and Pauline Ruth (Blake) Ray, whose devotion to family left a lasting impression on him. From his father, he inherited a lifelong love for the Oklahoma Sooners. From his mother, he inherited a love for family gatherings, good food, and the famous French toast recipe that would later become a favorite among his own family.

After graduating from Derby High School in 1977, Kevin pursued both his education and his passion for baseball. He attended St. John's College in Winfield, Kansas, on a baseball scholarship, where he once pitched a no-hitter. During those years, alongside his lifelong friends Todd and John, he helped found the legendary "Anti-Fraternity," ZKK, stories from which would be retold and laughed about for decades. His educational journey later took him to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the University of North Texas, and ultimately to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his degree in 1984.

While at Oklahoma, Kevin met the love of his life, Lisa. After just six months of dating, he proposed beneath the fireworks at Reaves Park on the Fourth of July. They were married on December 22, 1984, beginning a love story that would span more than 41 years.

Together they weathered life's joys and sorrows, learning through every hardship to hold more tightly to one another. Their shared faith led them to invest deeply in the communities they served, opening their hearts, their home, and their lives to others. Though they spent much of their time caring for those around them, they never stopped making time for each other.

Together, Kevin and Lisa built a family that became the center of his world. They raised four children and opened their lives to countless others. Over the years, Kevin became known not only as Dad, but also as Pawpaw, Coach Ray, Mr. Ray, mentor, role model, and friend to generations of young people.

Kevin devoted his life to education and coaching. His Hall of Fame career took him to Blum, Milford, Trinidad, Grandfalls-Royalty, Aspermont, Rankin, O'Donnell, Yukon, and Bryson. Along the way, he coached football, track, baseball, and just about anything else that needed coaching. Few assignments challenged him more—or gave him better stories—than junior high girls basketball. He celebrated many accomplishments, including a state championship at Trinidad in 1998, but championships were never what mattered most to him. His greatest victories were found in the lives of the students and athletes he helped shape. Among his proudest accomplishments was having the opportunity to teach and coach all four of his children.

Music was another lifelong passion. Kevin won Lisa's heart by singing Bee Gees songs and playing guitar. Throughout his life, he shared that gift in churches, youth groups, campfires, and graduations. Whether leading worship, singing around a bonfire, or turning a long car ride into a one-man concert complete with steering-wheel drums, air guitar, and every word of his favorite songs, music was one of the ways he connected with people.

Kevin seemed to know a little bit about everything. Whether the subject was math, sports, spelling, song lyrics, history, or obscure trivia, he was often the person everyone turned to for answers. He had a remarkable memory, a great sense of humor, and a gift for giving unforgettable nicknames. Yet for all his talents, his family will fondly remember one glaring weakness: drawing. He could excel at almost anything, but he would have been everyone's last pick for Pictionary.

Though he earned championships, Hall of Fame honors, and the respect of countless students and athletes, Kevin would most want to be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend. His legacy lives on not only through his family, but also through the thousands of students, athletes, and colleagues whose lives were shaped by his encouragement, humor, wisdom, and example.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Jack O'Neal Ray and Pauline Ruth (Blake) Ray; his brother, Jack Robert Ray; and his niece, Christina Ray.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa Ray; his siblings, Charles O'Neal Ray of Arlington, Texas; JoAnn Ray Battles of Antlers, Oklahoma; his children, Aubrey (Ray) Rackham of Bryson, Texas; Melissa (Ray) Exum and Taylor of Jacksboro, Texas; Kevin (K.O.) Ray and Summer of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Harley Ray of Bryson, Texas; his grandchildren, Jack Stephens, Emma Rackham, Scarlett Rackham, Brylen Exum, Carter Exum, Reese Exum, and Bowen Exum; his nieces and nephews, Blake Ray, Bryan Ray, Leslie Jarrett, Michael Ray, Meghann Tilford and Shaun, Travis Williams and Kaitlin; and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, including Parker, Allie, Mason, Mack, Levi, Jet, Chelsea, Chasity, Omar, Jack, and Charlotte.

Above all else, Kevin loved his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, music, mentorship, and love that will continue to echo through the lives of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christian Life Center Church, 2611 W Main Street, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156, on June 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm.