Gus Raymond "Ray" Alborn Jr.

Gus Raymond “Ray” Alborn, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away on November 4th, 2026, at the age of 87. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of dedication, mentorship, deep family ties, and a lifelong passion for football.

Born on December 24, 1938, in Orange, Texas, Ray attended Lamar High School in Houston, where he earned a spot on the 1956 Houston Chronicle and Houston Post All-City football team. He continued his athletic and academic journey at Rice University, playing for the Rice Owls from 1957 through 1962. During his collegiate career, he competed in the 1960 Sugar Bowl and the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl—marking the beginning of a lifelong bond with the university and the game he cherished.

Ray returned to Rice as an assistant football coach in 1972 and was named head coach in 1977, making history as the first former Rice player to serve as head coach for his alma mater. He proudly led the Owls through the 1983 season.

His coaching career spanned multiple levels, including roles with the Houston Gamblers (USFL), Lamar University (Head Coach), Bellaire High School, Sharpstown High School (Head Coach), B.F. Terry High School, and Lamar Consolidated High School (Head Coach). Throughout his career, Ray forged lasting relationships with players, fellow coaches, and colleagues, leaving an indelible mark both on and off the field.

As a collegiate coach, Ray was renowned for his exceptional recruiting abilities. Having grown up in a single-parent household, he deeply appreciated the influential guidance of his own family and coaches. He drew from this personal background to reassure parents that collegiate athletics could offer their sons a quality education and a brighter future.

Ray’s connection to Rice was equally central to his personal life. During his undergraduate years, he met Sue, a Rice cheerleader. Their shared beginnings at Rice laid the foundation for a beautiful, lifelong journey of almost 64 years of marriage, family, and shared memories.

Following his coaching career, Ray and Sue retired to Ruidoso, New Mexico, in 2004, where Ray served as mayor from 2010 to 2014.

Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Ray’s greatest pride was his family. To those who knew him best, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence enriched countless family gatherings and traditions.

He will be fondly remembered for his infectious sense of humor, warmth, and larger-than-life personality.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carol Sue Shepherd; daughter Shannon Bohny and husband Glenn; son Matthew Alborn and wife Jill; grandchildren Blair Dickson and husband Scott, Chelsea Henning and husband Marc, Eric Alborn and wife Madeline, and Adam Alborn and fiancée Taylor Levine; as well as great-grandchildren Brooks Dickson, Briar Dickson, Blake Dickson, Kennedy Henning, and Quinn Henning.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jewel Locke Alborn.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Settegast-Kopf Co. @ Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas.

Ray will be remembered for his contributions to college football, his lifelong connection to Rice University, and the relationships he built throughout his life. Above all, his memory will live on through the family and friends who loved him.