Charles Ray Holsomback

Charles “Ray” Holsomback passed away May 2, 2023 with his loving family by his side. Ray lived every day with laughter and joy, not letting the tiresome fight with emphysema deter his cheerful social time with his friends and family. Ray lived 79 energetic and highly spirited years doing it his way. If you truly know Ray, then you know exactly what we mean. Ray would light up the room by simply showing up and poking fun.

Ray was born December 29, 1943 in Galveston, Texas and raised in nearby Texas City to the parents of Marl E. Holsomback and Millie Jewel McDuffie. Ray loved Texas and everything about being a 7th generation Texan. He grew up in a very eventful and rewarding household due to the fact he had 3 older doting sisters. It seemed it was his personal, daily agenda to agitate his sisters and to disrupt the Holsomback’s happy household. After graduating from high school, Ray started his exciting career at Houston Lighting Power working as a lineman. He thrived in the rigorous and demanding life that climbing poles presented. In his next chapter of life, Ray was summoned to be the right hand man of Uncle Jessie by running the operations and manufacturing at Houston Elevator Company. Ray would work in the elevator industry for the next 35 years of his life. He was well-respected and admired throughout the elevator business.

At the very young age of 20, Ray married Janet, his childhood sweetheart and they raised three super-duper sons, Charlie, Ron, and Don. Twelve years later, paradise was interrupted and Ray and Janet parted ways. After having some time to reflect, Ray stumbled onto his soulmate, Debbie, at a nearby Disco club. From that point on, Ray and Debbie were forever inseparable and she blessed Ray with his final sensational son, Clint. Ray loved all people and was happy to see you and all your friends whenever you might drop by, no appointment needed. His home was always open for all, as long as you abided by the golden rules of laughing, joking, having fun, and playing all sorts of games.

Ray is survived by his Aunt Maxine and sister Jean and sons Charles Ray Holsomback Jr. and wife Jennifer, Ronald Holsomback and wife Maria, Donald Holsomback and wife Cecilia, and Clint Holsomback and wife Sarah Abigail.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Debbie and his sisters Marie and Ruth.

Ray is the proud grandfather of 9 grandkids; Amanda, Samantha, Zachary, Cody, Nicholas, Emily, Kimberly, Cole, and Robbie and two great-grandchildren Lily and Kannon. Special recognition for his best friend and confidant Dave Brassick. Also, he had a special Jewish (son) he spoke with weekly for the last 30 years, Marc Cohen. I’m sure at this very moment he is looking over all of us.