Ray Asbery, 67, passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2011. Born in Casey County, Kentucky on January 21, 1944, he rose from poverty in the state of Kentucky at a young age and went on to build a successful business legacy in the auto glass industry from his beloved state of Texas. He began his career with Autoglass & Upholstery of Louisville Kentucky. After many years in the area, Ray and his family moved to Austin, Texas in 1986 and he began work for Globe Glass as a manager for a few years. Ray, always inventing devices and product ideas created a revolutionary series of devices designed for auto glass removal, a field he knew very well. Within a few very short years, he went on to become a well-respected product developer, inventor, entrepreneur and eventually a legendary figure in the auto glass industry. Equalizer Industries is now a thriving, well-respected and world-renowned operation. His goal in life was always to help the average working person to do their job better and safer. He revolutionized his industry all over the world.
Ray had a passion for building and flying model airplanes from a very early age. Some of his favorite times were spent outdoors flying and racing at local meets. His hobby made him many friends but also enabled him to tinker with ideas that would satisfy his desire to be the quintessential inventor. Ray held several patents and was very proud to consider himself in a special class with famous inventors such as his idol Thomas Edison.
Ray also had a special passion for American History. A Civil War buff, Ray could often be found engaged in conversation with fascinated friends and family while speaking of fact-filled opinions of the Civil War era to current business successes, world history and life lessons. He had a passion for reading and had retained endless knowledge and profound respect of American History throughout his life. Being an American was of the utmost importance to him throughout his life.
His life and memory will be cherished by his wife of 46 years and best friend Clare, his son Eric, his wife Cindy and their children Robert, Ashlee, Lindsey and Carson and great-grand-daughter Leila of Round Rock, Texas, his daughter Wendy Schneider and her husband Jeff and their children Jessica, Jordan and Alyssa of New Braunfels, TX. His extended family includes over 35 employees of Equalizer and their families and his loyal friend and companion throughout the last difficult moments of his life, his beloved dog, Molly.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Humane Society and to Ray’s favorite charity that he gave to generously, Smile Train.
Ray’s family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 2nd at Cook Walden Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. A special memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Pflugerville, Texas at 1:00pm Monday, October 3rd.
To share memories of Ray with his family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
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