Ray H. Lawson

For those who have a passion and who persevere in their commitments, enthusiasm and diligence is often measured in hours, or weeks, or even years. But Ray H. Lawson demonstrated dedication that can be measured in decades. Born December 27, 1918, Ray began his lifelong trips to a classroom in a pony cart, stopping to pick up the neighbor girls in the buggy on the way. After graduating from Sandusky, Michigan High School in 1936 at the age of 15, Ray went on to graduate from Central Teachers College (now known as Central Michigan University) at the age of 20. With the exception of the time he spent enlisted in the US Army from 1941-1945, stationed in Galveston, Texas, Ray didn’t leave the classroom for nearly 60 years. During his tenure, Ray exemplified the lessons he hoped his students would carry with them – to do their best and to never quit. His three children similarly learned to always “finish the job”. Although Ray delivered sometimes tough to learn lessons, they were always conveyed with a caring heart and an encouraging tone. While some may say Ray’s greatest reward for teaching at Rochester Community Schools as long as he did (1946-2004) was getting to dance with his wife, Dale, at more proms than most people could ever hope to attend, it was really the many students who graduated and went on to college because of Ray’s dedication that were his greatest accomplishment.

Ray’s decades-long dedication wasn’t limited to his chosen profession. He also committed fully and contentedly to over 40 years of the same traditional Christmas menu of ceviche, prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, green beans and hollandaise sauce, Caesar salad, and croquembouche. With gourmet cooking as a hobby and a particular love of French cuisine, Ray loved to enjoy a good meal with his family, including his three children, Tama, Taryn, and Kent, whom he patiently taught to cook. He lived his life based on schedules, and looked forward monthly to the delivery of his “Book of the Month” that he would enjoy reading on the deck.

Despite being very active in a volunteer capacity over the years (including the American Legion, the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, the Neighborhood House of Rochester, as Church Warden at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, as President of the Michigan Education Association, and as Secretary of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English for 30 years), he was always there for his family, who were and are his greatest pride and joy. As Ray would have said, “Oh for Pete’s sake!”… What more could we have asked!?

Ray departed this life on June 1, 2021, joining his wife, Dale; his brother, Foye Lawson; and sister, Helene Laming. He is survived and celebrated by his children, Tama (Larry) Rubick, Taryn (Frank) Sabo, Kent (Valerie) Lawson; grandchildren, Andrea, Chris, Kyle, Jennifer, Michael, Mark, Matthew, Shannon, Frank (Cooper), Katelyn; and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family will welcome visitors on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6 from 4 PM to 8 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI, 48307.Ray will be lying instate on Monday, June 7 at from 12:30 PM until the time of the funeral service at 1 PM at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 100 Romeo Road (Corner of Rochester and Romeo) in Rochester, Rev. Chris Yaw officiating. Those desiring may make a gift in Ray’s honor to the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester - Ray Lawson Scholarship.