John Willie Ray

Brother John Willie Ray was born on October 2, 1934 in Brenham, Texas to the parents of Rosa Lee (Wright) and Joseph Ray, Sr. He was the second of seven children. He accepted Christ at an early age. John grew up in Houston and was a proud graduate of Jack Yates High School and South Texas Junior College.

In 1955, he met the love of his life, Helen Elizabeth Joyce. “Willie” and “E” wed in 1960 and spent the next 60 years together. To this union, four beautiful daughters were born- Janice, Angela, Denise and Joycelyn. In 1960, he also became a lifelong fan of a new football team, the Dallas Cowboys.

John retired from the U.S. Army in 1965 after 8 years of active duty. During his time in the military, he served in several overseas assignments and earned 3 medals. After his military career, John became a loyal and dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service. Part of his legacy would include the USPS becoming the “family business” where eventually 2 daughters, 1 grand-daughter and 1 grandson-in-law would later follow in his footsteps. He retired in 1999 and throughout his 33-year tenure at USPS, John was acknowledged and awarded for his positive attitude and strong work ethic including the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Award for driving over 30 years without an at-fault accident.

John departed this life on August 6, 2020 to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers- Joseph Jr., Albert and James Earl Ray. To cherish his memory is his loving wife, Helen; 4 children- Janice, Angela, Denise and Joycelyn Ray ; 4 grandchildren- Amber Blackman(Edward Jr.), Andrae, Alexander (Allison) and Joshua; 9 great-grandchildren ; 3 sisters- Doris Jean Turner (Morris), Shirley Bowers (Donald) and Peggy Gooden (Charles Sr.); 1 brother-in-law, Richard Joyce Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

John will be remembered and most importantly, respected, for his strong work ethic, gentle and peaceful spirit, loyalty to family and friends, quick-witted humor and his favorite hobbies- pure bred German Shepherd dogs and the Dallas Cowboys. He will be truly missed but never forgotten.