Dr. James Robert (Bob) Ray, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend to all, passed into his Savior’s arms on December 8th, 2016. Born January 5th, 1940, to Ann Smithey Ray & the Rev. J. Melvin Ray in Waco, Texas, Bob captivated everyone’s attention with his stories, wisdom, and feats of physical strength and determination for overcoming any obstacle that stood before him. His love and dedication to others influenced and inspired many throughout the years to pursue medicine and serve others as he did. Especially his two children who followed in his professional footsteps.
Born in Waco, Texas, Bob grew up on “The Pearl on the Pecos” Carlsbad, New Mexico where sports and outdoors were central to his life. He played football for Eastern New Mexico University in Portales where he earned Academic All-American player honors while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree. He then completed his M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston where he trained with some of the great minds in medicine. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy as a flight surgeon, Bob and his family moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where he practiced his profession in the community that he truly loved. Newborn and 100-year-old patients passed through his office to be treated by “Dr. Ray. After his retirement, he and his late wife Nancy Ray moved to the Texas Hill Country to be closer to their children and four grandsons who follow in their Papa’s steps with their academic and athletic abilities.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and his late wife Nancy Hudnall Ray. He is survived by his beloved wife Joann Ray, his son, Dr. Brad Ray, his daughter, Dr. Deena Liles, her husband, Louis, and grandsons, Luke, Hayden, and Ian Liles and Zach Montez of New Braunfels. He is also survived by his sisters: Marsha Turbyfill of Scottsdale Arizona, Michelle Ray of Tucson, Arizona, and stepchildren Gary Peacock of Midland, Texas and Pam Seal of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Bob has many more family members and friends who love him immensely and will miss his stories, wisdom, encouragement, wit and humble ability to listen to all who sought him.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” Philippians 1:3
A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 7th at 11:00 am at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, 1700 E. Yeso, Hobbs, New Mexico 88240.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Dr. James Robert Ray payable to Baylor College of Medicine and mailed to:
C/O Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, MSC #800,
P.O. Box 4976,
Houston, TX 77210
Secure online gifts may be made by credit card at www.bcm.edu/giving
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