Kenneth "Kenny" Archie Ray Sr.

Kenny was born August 15, 1949 to Wilbur A. Ray and Gertrude C. Ray (née Chernosky) in Austin, Texas. A proud native Austinite, while attending Travis High School he started working in construction to help support his mother while his older brother Gary was serving in Vietnam.

Upon Gary’s return from the war, they worked together in construction under a union before Kenny started his own business, Austin Quality Remodeling, in 1976. The company was successful enough to win a six month contract to build a clean room in Israel in 1989.

His love for the outdoors had him venturing into a plethora of activities starting his sophomore year in school with bull riding which he continued into his early 30s. After receiving his PRCA card, his skills won him first place in 1978 at the Austin County Rodeo in Bellville, TX. His next adventure lead him into the Austin softball circle, where he met his wife Colleen. Their 1983 marriage was blessed with their son Daniel, who completed their family of four along with Kenny’s oldest son, Kenny Jr.

Kenny also loved his time hunting in the hill country, and the many mounts adorning his game room can attest to the accuracy of his shot. He loved cooking and serving friends and family after each hunt; the venison, wild boar, and dove were plentiful. Kenny also enjoyed playing his golf with The Herd, often frequenting Willie Nelson’s Pedernales Cut and Putt where he got a double eagle on hole 4, as well as Blue Lakes Golf Club. Many days were spent in the sunshine whacking and then chasing after that little white ball.

Kenny and Colleen enjoyed their travels as well as the local golf courses. From their central Texas hangouts of Poodie’s Roadhouse, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge, and Angel’s Ice House, to fishing trips to the Texas coast, the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, frequent visits to Las Vegas and their final trip to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Kenny made sure to grab life by the horns and enjoy it to its full extent.

Kenny is preceded in death by his father Wilbur Ray, his mother Gertrude Ray, his brother George Abbot, sister Grace Abbott Miller, niece Kimberly Miller and son Daniel Ray.

He is survived by his wife Colleen Ray, son Kenny Jr and wife Jessica (Normangee, TX), grandson Austin Ray and wife Lauren (Kyle, TX), grandson Kyle Ray (Normangee, TX), brother Gary Ray (Austin, TX), and niece Beverly Miller (Austin, TX).

A memorial service for Kenneth will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, TX 78734. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Helping Hands Ministry, Spicewood, TX.