Dr. Raymond F. Sis

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edvie (Shimanek) Sis of Belleville, KS, his siblings George Sis of Belleville, KS, Lucille Splichal of Munden, KS, and Alice Havel of Salina, KS.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Louise (Murphy) Sis; his children Susan Sis-Boyd (Ric) of Georgetown, TX, Valerie Bourque (David) of Salado, TX, Mark Sis (Donette) of College Station, TX, Bishop Michael Sis of San Angelo, TX, and Amy Short (Rick) of Bryan, TX; eight grandchildren (Walt, Brittany, Waylon, Zachary, Shae, Sara, Samantha, and Luke); and seven great-grandchildren (Heiko, Theo, Ava, Raeleigh, Emma, Dexton, and Luke). He was a passionately devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He approached life with a sense of humor and compassion for others that will be sorely missed.

Ray graduated from Belleville (KS) High School in 1949, where he was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. He won many awards for livestock judging in high school and college. He met the love of his life, Jan, when they were students at Kansas State University. In college, he demonstrated excellence in many ways. He served as president of Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, he received the Block and Bridle Merit Trophy Award, and he was named a distinguished ROTC graduate and a Top Senior Leader for his outstanding contributions to the university. He was elected to the honor societies of Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Delta, Phi Zeta, Blue Key, and Phi Sigma. After he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Kansas State in 1953, Jan and Ray were married on August 31, 1953. In 1957, he attained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. In 2013, he was honored with the Alumni Recognition Award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This award is given to veterinarians whose careers have served as exemplary role models for future alumni in a professional and community setting.

He then served in active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1961 as base veterinarian at Truax AFB in Madison, WI, and McGuire AFB in Mount Holly, NJ. He excelled as an environmental health officer in the Air Force Reserve for 25 years, retiring with the rank of full colonel. He received the Air Defense Command Commendation and the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1977 for his leadership in controlling Newcastle Disease in California. Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal.

After completing his active duty in the Air Force, Ray continued his education at Iowa State University from 1961 to 1966, graduating with a Master of Science in Small Animal Surgery in 1962 and a PhD in Veterinary Anatomy in 1965. His natural gift for teaching took root in these years.

In 1966, he accepted a position as professor of Anatomy in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University in College Station. There he served as a patient teacher and inspiring mentor for 35 years from 1966 to 2001, including 15 years as head of the Anatomy Department. For nine years, he served as co-director of the Aqua Med program and of the Aquatic Animal Medicine Continuing Education Program. In their passionate devotion to lifelong learning, he and Jan enjoyed the activities of the Community of Faculty Retirees at Texas A&M.

He generously shared his time and talent with young people. He treasured the opportunity to work with junior high and high school students interested in veterinary medicine through the Gifted and Talented Program of Texas A&M University for 14 years. He served as the official veterinarian for the dolphins at AstroWorld in Houston. He and Jan were co-presidents of the Henderson Elementary PTA in Bryan. He generously guided students in the anatomy class and the science fair at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bryan.

He was elected as president of several organizations, including the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine, the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists, the Texas Branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, the Brazos Valley Veterinary Medical Association, and the Texas A&M Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Association. He was named as an honor roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association for more than forty years of unwavering dedication to the organization. He authored and co-authored more than 75 academic publications. He led scientific projects in the states of Alaska, California, and Texas, as well as China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ecuador, Grenada, Lithuania, Mexico, and Uganda.

In 2001, Ray and Jan moved to the Caribbean island of Grenada, where he tirelessly served as dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University from 2003 to 2013, after serving as professor from 2001 to 2003. He led the school through a meticulous five-year accreditation process with the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2014, he was named dean emeritus at St. George’s University. Also that year, the Veterinary and Basic Sciences Building was named Ray and Jan Sis Hall in honor of their teamwork in service of the university. After retiring from St. George’s University, he and Jan returned to their home in Bryan, where they purchased and operated Villa Maria Storage.

In 1984, Ray was ordained in the first class of permanent deacons in the Diocese of Austin. He served the parishioners of St. Anthony and St. Joseph Churches in Bryan, and Blessed Virgin Mary Mission in Old Washington on the Brazos. He also served as chaplain to the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan.

Ray was very active in his local community. He and Jan enjoyed dancing in a variety of local dance groups, including ballroom, polka, and square dancing. He was proud of his Czech ancestry, and he and Jan enjoyed years of fellowship in the Czech Heritage Society. In their elder years, they were active members of Age Managers at St. Joseph Parish. Ray was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3205, the Fourth Degree Assembly #2041, and the College Station Noon Lion’s Club.

Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Memorial Funeral Chapel at 1515 S. College Ave., Bryan, TX. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralchapelbryan.com for the Sis family.

Visitation will be on July 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel. Vigil will be on July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel, followed by a video tribute and the Rosary.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on July 15 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 507 E. 26th St., Bryan. Live streaming will be available via the YouTube channel of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bryan, Texas, at this link: https://www.youtube.com/@st.josephcatholicchurchbry6038.

Interment will follow at College Station Memorial Cemetery, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX. Reception will be in the St. Joseph Parish Activity Center at 700 E. 26th St. (corner of Polk and 26th), following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s honor may be made to the Come to the Table Annual Fund at St. Joseph Catholic School, 600 S. Coulter, Bryan, TX, 77803 (https://stjosephschoolbcs.org/cttt) or Aggieland Humane Society, 5359 Leonard Rd., Bryan, TX, 77807 (https://aggielandhumane.org/make-a-one-time-gift/).