Clarence Ray Hagar, beloved husband, dad and granddaddy, passed from this life June 24, 2016 in Abilene, TX. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Monday, June 27, 2016 at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South. Graveside rites with military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 28, 2016 in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Ray was born March 26, 1928, to Clarence Loyd Hagar and Lena Belle Crowe, in Abilene, Texas. Ray spent a large part of his childhood in Abilene, attending Locust and Travis Elementary Schools and South Junior High. In April, 1948, he met the love of his life, Elvie Fay Byers on a double-date at Fair Park in Abilene. They married on September 5, 1948 at the Burkett Baptist Church in Burkett, Texas. They celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary before Fay's death in February, 2013. Ray served his country with honor in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a Combat Medic, serving with the 3rd Infantry Division, 15th "Can Do" Regiment, in Korea during 1952 and 1953. After his return from Korea, Ray and Fay were stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After living in Waco, Texas for a year, they returned to Abilene, where they raised their sons. Ray coached Little League in the 1950's and 1960's. He was also involved with Golden Gloves, refereeing boxing matches in the old Fair Park Auditorium. Ray retired from West Texas Linen Co. in 1985. He retired again, after heart surgery, from his second career with Abilene Independent School District in 1996. Not satisfied with retirement, he went on to work at Hobby Lobby in 1998, retiring once more in 2008 at the young age of 80. Ray was a long time member of the South 14th and Oak Street Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Fay; sisters, Lota Hagar-Grantham and Rita Hagar-Kearney; brother in law, Curtis Grantham; and a grandson in law, Joseph Neil Watson. Survivors include his two sons, Jeffery of Tye and Michael of Abilene; grandson, Patrick Hagar of Abilene; granddaughter, Christi Moss-Watson of Alvarado, Texas; great granddaughters Ashleigh and Kelsey of Alvardo; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. McKnight and the staff at Mesa Springs Retirement Village, for their loving care of Ray.
Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, West Texas Rehab Center, or to the donor's favorite charity.
IN LIFE, IN DEATH, IN LIFE BEYOND DEATH, GOD IS WITH US. WE ARE NOT ALONE. THANKS BE TO GOD.
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