Ray was born on December 23, 1942 in Mecklenburg County to the late George C. and Louise Long Houston.
Ray served in the US Army from 1964 to 1966 and 1970 to 1972, serving during the Vietnam War. He spent 20+ years with the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System HVAC Maintenance Department.
Ray enjoyed fishing and hunting in his free time. Camping at the beach with the boys was also one of his favorites. Recently, Ray spent much of his time landscaping his property and taking care of his beloved rescue cats. Ray always said upon returning from Vietnam that his dad, at the age of 82, could out-shovel him. In 1999, Ray and Pat began researching the Houston Family genealogy in Mecklenburg County.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, brother, George McDonald Houston, sisters, Shirley Houston Polk and Barbara Houston Watkins and his first wife, Mary Ellen Houston.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patricia Snipes Houston, brothers, Bill Houston and Gary Houston, sister, Carol Houston, nieces & nephews; Lynne Kessler, Tanya Moore, Russell Polk, as well as, H.R Polk, Dwight, Rick and David Watkins and several other family members.
A visitation will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 2:00 to 3:00PM at Arlington Baptist Church 9801 Arlington Church Road, Mint HIll, NC 28227. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM. Ray will be laid to rest at Evergreen Burial Park on Bain School Road in Mint Hill, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials be sent to the Stanly County Humane Society and/or Arlington Baptist Church Child Development Center.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
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