Raymond Eugene Emery

RAYMOND EUGENE EMERY was born on March 20, 1918, in Comanche, Texas, to Day De Hart Emery, Sr. and Eunice Lucille Reynolds and was the second of four sons. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and his loving wife of 62 years, Ellen Louise Johnson Emery.

After graduating from Temple High School in Temple, Texas, Ray spent two years at Temple Jr. College. While in college and up until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Ray spent seven years in the accounting department of the Temple Daily Telegram. During this time he was very active in badminton, golf, and tennis. Ray was Texas State Badminton Champion in 1939 and 1940. While serving in the Navy, Ray stayed active playing softball and baseball while stationed in Sabine Pass, Galveston, and San Juan. Ray continued his military service as a Navy Reservist until retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1978.

After serving his country honorably in World War II, Ray attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration. While attending Baylor, Ray met his bride, Ellen; they were married on June 2, 1947. During his time at Baylor, Ray was initiated, passed, and raised into the Masonic Order, Grand Lodge of Texas, Baylor Lodge #1235. Ray served as a Master Mason in good standing for more than 50 years.

Upon graduating in 1949, Ray began his professional career with Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1958 Texas Eastern transferred the Emery family to Houston, Texas. That year Ray and Ellen joined Willow Meadows Baptist Church as charter members. For 54 years Ray faithfully served the church in many areas of leadership, including the finance committee and diaconate.

Ray’s spirit continues to live on in his brother Dr. Joseph L. Emery; daughter Janet Emery-Ingram; daughter Sarah Ellen Kauffman and her husband, Kenneth; and son Mark Alan Emery and his wife, Kathy. Ray, also known affectionately as Pa-Pa, was blessed with seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 12 nieces and nephews.

Ray transferred his strength and faith to his family through example. Every day he reminded his family and any friends who joined him for dinner to give thanks to God, praying,

“Accept our gratitude, our Father, for these and all thy blessings.

Bless this food to the nourishment of our body and forgive us for our shortcomings.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 on Thursday, May 31 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery located at 13001 Katy Freeway (at Eldridge), Houston, TX 77079.

The funeral will begin at 2:00 on Friday, June 1 at Willow Meadows Baptist Church located at 4300 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77035.

Donations may be made in Raymond’s memory to the American Heart Association.