Deborah Ann Ray

Deborah Ann Ray of Austin, Texas—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, niece, cousin and friend to many—passed from this world on January 12, 2022 after a brief illness. Born May 1, 1961 as the middle child of five to Janice Herridge Odom and James Kenneth Ray, Sr. (Kenneth) in Houston, Texas, Deborah was at the center of almost everything throughout her life—social events, professional gatherings, and family celebrations. Deborah was deeply spiritual and attended Hill Country Bible Church.

Deborah forged an illustrious career in property management and as a flooring supplier in the Austin Multi-Family Real Estate community, where she won top honors and recognition year after year for decades both from her employers and the local (Austin), state and national Apartment Association. She was known in her professional circles as a dear friend to many with her infectious laughter, quick wit, professionalism, and unrelenting persistence to always do “what’s right” by her customers.

Deborah and her husband of 35 years, Bruce Hinton, were inseparable. They enjoyed the lakes and dining scene in Austin as well as the beach in Port Aransas and took every chance available to entertain in their elegant homes that were impeccably decorated by Deborah. Deborah dearly loved her daughter Tamyka (Tamy) Ann Morris Barrientez, and her granddaughter Callie Renee Barrientez, whom were the apple of her eye.

In addition to her husband Bruce, daughter Tamy, son-in-law Mario Barrientez and granddaughter Callie, Deborah is survived by her siblings Nancy Ray Taylor (and partner Tom Cutrofello), Kelli Begley (and husband Chris Begley), Casey Trevino (and husband Steve Trevino), as well as Kenneth Ray’s two other children, Kimberly Ray and William Ray (and wife Darlene). Among those who will also miss Deborah are her aunts Nita Ann Lineberry and Jimmie Sue Herridge, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.

Deborah is preceded in death by her mother, Janice Herridge Odom, her father, Kenneth Ray, and her brother James Kenneth Ray, Jr. (Jimmy) as well as her grandparents (Callie Cora Cleveland and James William Ray, and Bernadeen Cooper and Ernest Clide Herridge) as well as several dear aunts and uncles. Her family is comforted knowing that she was welcomed to heaven with so many loving, open arms.

A private memorial service will be scheduled this spring.