Frank "B." Ray

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frank B. Ray on November 6, 2024, at the age of 82. Frank was a beloved father, husband and brother who touched the lives of everyone he met with his gentleness, intelligence, talent and humor.

Born on August 25th, 1942 in Amarillo Texas, Frank was one of three siblings. After his parents divorced, his mother remarried and he gained six more siblings! He briefly attended MIT, and received his undergraduate and advanced degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, earning an MS in mathematics and an early PhD in computer science in 1965. He married that same year and soon after he and Connie Ray (nee Todd) had a son. He went on to advance the computer science program at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. Later, upon moving back to Texas, he designed and helped implement the Hobby Eberly multiple mirror telescope at the McDonald Observatory, the third largest such instrument in the world. Throughout his life, Frank was an avid musician, playing percussion, coronet, saxophone, clarinet, Scottish snare drum and most prominently bassoon. He loved to take motorcycle trips and work on the family cabin in Idlewild, New Mexico.

Frank is survived by his brother Robert Ray, his step siblings Carolyn Del Pozo and Marolyn Carter, his ex-wife Connie Todd and his son Timothy Ray, who will remember him for his humor, kindness and ability to repair virtually anything. He was preceded in death by his second wife Helen Hyams, his mother Lillian Jenkins, his sibling Katherine Brady, his step siblings Myron Jenkins, Norman Jenkins, Neal Jenkins, Robert Jenkins and his father George Ray.

A memorial service will be held on December 6th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at Forest Oaks Cemetery in Austin, where friends and family will gather to honor and celebrate his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Idlewild Community Firewise Project, reflecting Frank's generous spirit and his desire to protect his beloved second home from the dangers of wildfires. Donation Address:

Idlewild Community Firewise Project

c/o David Chapman

521 Willow Bend Ct

Columbia SC 29212

Please mention Frank on the check or other note.

Frank’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.