Raymond Eugene Carville was born in El Campo to the late Conrad and Bonnie Clay Carville on July 17, 1924. Ray grew up in El Campo and worked in his family’s cotton gin until he joined the Navy at age 17. He met the love of his life, Donna Mae Dennert, while on leave in Long Beach, California, where they married on February 3, 1945. Ray remained in the Navy for 13 more years. With four children later they settled in Victoria and poured their heart and strength into their family owned fishing tackle manufacturing/wholesale sporting goods company for 37 years which became Ray’s Distributing Company. Two daughters were soon added to the family. Ray and Donna were successful not only in business, but also in creating a strong family bond and work ethic for their children. Ray loved hunting, fishing, camping and boating with his family and friends at locations all along the Texas Gulf Coast and in the Colorado Rockies. Always devoted to his family and his Lord Jesus, Ray daily lived his Catholic Faith.
Being blessed even throughout his final years with a sharp mind, Ray loved to reminisce about the “old times,” but most precious of all, remained a good listener, with soft sound advice. He lived independently until June 6, 2018, when he slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus.
Ray is survived by his sons, Royce Carville (wife, Janice), Robin Carville (wife, Becky), daughters, Renee Yamin and Denise Smidt, daughter-in-law, Kathleene Carville and son-in-law, Herschel Vansickle; his two sisters, Bette Heironimus, Dorothy Arnold (husband, A.J.). Fourteen grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great-grandchildren flooded his life with hugs and kisses. He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna, son, Randy Carville, daughter, Starr Vansickle, and brothers, Edward Carville and Patrick Carville.
Visitation will be Monday, June 11, 2018 from 6-7 pm with a Rosary following at 7 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 10 am at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Willi Carville, Darin Carville, Aaron Smidt, Caleb Smidt, Kyle Vansickle, Nathan Carville and Nicolas Carville. Honorary pallbearers are Jonni Carville, Brett Yamin and Kevin Carville.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Share condolences at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
