Ray

Weston Ray Hampton passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017 in North Richland Hills, Texas after a brief stay in the hospital. He was born on May 27, 1933 in Murray, Utah to Alvah and Elma Perry Hampton. Ray was one of five children; his family had a long heritage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a rich history in the United States with direct lineage to William Bradford, the first governor of the Plymouth Settlement.

He graduated from Austin High School in El Paso, Texas in 1951. Following high school, Ray served in the United States Army, receiving honorable discharge as a Sergeant. After his service to our country he attended Texas Western University, now known as The University of Texas at El Paso, and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1960.

Ray began his professional career with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1960 and served our nation as an airport planner for over 30 years. He worked in Albuquerque, New Mexico for many years and was involved in planning and construction of many of the rural airports in the state of New Mexico. Following his retirement from the government, he also worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Early in his career with the FAA, Ray became acquainted with a beautiful office assistant, LaVonne Barnett, who became the love of his life. They had their first date on the day of President John Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 and were married on February 1st, 1964. They were the proud parents of two sons, Brad, born in 1966, and Jeff, born in 1971. Ray was devoted to his family throughout his life, and especially to LaVonne in her later years as she suffered from many health concerns. He looked forward to the day of reunion with his beloved wife.

Ray was an avid camper, gun enthusiast, golfer, and bowler. He enjoyed playing golf and bowling into his 80’s. In his later years he also enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren. Ray will be remembered for his wisdom, good nature, sense of humor, and gentle spirit—not to mention his killer golf drive and ball striking. He will be cherished as a beloved husband, father, and “Poppy.”

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard and Robert, his sister Betty, and wife, LaVonne. He is survived by his sister, Janet, sons Brad and wife Vanessa Hampton, of Buckner, Missouri, and Jeff and wife Theresa Hampton, of Fort Worth, and four grandchildren: Lucas, Landon, Allison, and Brooke. He will also be missed by a large extended family and many wonderful friends.