Raymond Austin Waldrep, Jr., age 79, of Spring, Texas, passed away on December 3, 2024. He was born in Palacios, Texas, on December 29, 1944, to parents Raymond Austin Waldrep, Sr. and Helen Kucherka Waldrep.
Raymond graduated as salutatorian from Aldine High School, class of 1963. He was the recipient of the Jesse Jones Scholarship. Raymond graduated from the University of Houston and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He had a career in journalism at the Houston Post and Houston Chronicle.
Raymond served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 and is a Vietnam Veteran. He received five commendations while serving in the Army. He was an active member of American Legion, Jim Havens, Post #578.
He met Tonia Watkins, and they remained together until her death in 2012. Raymond loved life and time with family and friends, especially cooking for them.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Austin Waldrep, Sr. and Helen Kucherka Waldrep; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and two nieces, Michele Klawinski Scarber and Cheryl Welch.
He is survived by his sisters Mildred Waldrep Welch and Julia Waldrep Klawinski, his brother Thomas Albert Waldrep, and 20 nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are Thomas Waldrep, John Welch, Paul Klawinski, Ethan Klawinski, and Allen Fudge.
