Ray Lewis Essary

Ray Lewis Essary of 81 years was graciously received by his Father early Saturday, October 19th, 2013. He was born on May 7th, 1932 in Bonham, TX to Douglas Essary and Lucil Ballard Essary. Ray’s parents, baby brother Garland and beloved brother Ralph Essary preceded him in death. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Dora “Dinkie” Essary of 62 years; his two brothers Don and Glenn; daughter Sharon Moore and grandchildren children Christina Moore Smith-Goeke and Christopher Moore; his daughter Laura Walker, grandchild Brent Walker and great-grandchild Emerson; his son Michael Essary, grandchildren Emily and Cory and great-grandchildren Nathaniel and Rielyn Rae.

Ray and Dinkie married in 1951 while he was enlisted in the Navy. After his service in the Navy he joined the Southern Pacific railroad for 37 years. He settled in Austin, where he and his wife Dinkie opened their home as a daycare center called Dinkie’s Darlings. Ray was always the center of attention doing magic shows for the children. Ray was a faithful member of Cameron Road Church of Christ for 39 years, a deacon for over 20 years and served on the bus committee, building and grounds, good works, and the youth ministry. Ray and Dinkie were summer counselors at Camp Hensel, where Ray served on the board of directors for over 20 years. Ray and Dinkie moved to San Marcos in 2007. Two years later he had open-heart surgery and has been fighting his health since. Special acknowledgement to Dr. Alsup and his nurse Barbara for all of their care over the years. They made many friends while living at the Wellington apartments. Ray will always be remembered for his love for life, unique sense of humor and tall stories. He will be dearly missed by family and friends and has engraved eternal love in all of those who will remember him.

A visitation will be held at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX from 6:00-8:00 o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. Funeral Services will be held at Cameron Road Church of Christ, 6014 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at half past one o’clock in the afternoon. Interment will follow at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 N IH 35, Pflugerville, TX.