Mr. Ray G. Vargas

Born to Aurelio and Anita Garcia Vargas on August 25, 1934. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Ralph, Pete, Phillip, Rita; and his twin brother Louis.

Ray served his country as a soldier in the United States Army and saw active duty in Korea. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal. Following his service, Ray went to school on the G.I. Bill and learned meat cutting in Ohio. He returned to Fresno following his graduation. With his education and his ability to learn quickly, he worked his way up to District Manager for Giant Store's meat department. When Giant left the Central Valley, they offered Ray a position in Los Angeles, which he declined. Instead, he went to work for a new grocery chain in the valley, Thrifty Mart. He quickly worked his way up to department manager. They, too, left Fresno and Ray began a new career as a Business Agent for the Meatcutter's Union, Local 126. In 1996, Local 126 merged with Local UFCW 1288 and Ray retired having earned a well deserved reputation for integrity and fairness. He was respected by all who came to know him.

Following his retirement, he turned his energies toward evangelism where he enthusiastically shared the gospel of salvation. For many years Ray was involved with prison ministry until age and declining health dictated he stop.

Throughout his life, his passion was his family. Fueled by experiences as a young man in Korea, he labored tirelessly to ensure his family was never in want. His family today is a testimony to the faith and determination of a man whose love never faltered, whose presence was always felt, and whose prayers never ceased.

He is survived by Mary Andrade-Vargas, his beloved wife of 58 years; his siblings, Epifanio Vargas, Aurelio Vargas Jr., Elsie V. Tostado, Ann V. Perez and Jessie V. Logan; his children, Maryalice Pickens and her husband John, Cecilia Gonzales and her husband Daniel, Cynthia Villalobos and her husband Adrian, Ray Vargas Jr. and his wife Stephanie, David Vargas and his wife Rosa Elena, and Dennis Vargas and his wife Josie; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Ray Vargas will be held at Riverpark Bible Church, 7500 N. Millbrook, Fresno, CA, on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will follow at Clovis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Ray's memory with a donation to the Fresno Rescue Mission.