Ray A. Mata III

Ray Aguilar Mata III or “RayRay,” as he was known to his friends and family, went home to the Lord on October 9, 2020, surrounded by family. He was born on October 22, 1980, in Odessa, TX to Ray and Mary Mata. Raised in Odessa, TX, Ray graduated from Career Center, Class of 1999. He also obtained his Associates in Arts in Teaching Secondary History from Odessa College. He worked at Rextac, LLC as a plant operator.

He was known for being a loving father, a caring brother, and everyone’s best friend. One of his fondest childhood memories was growing up with his loving parents and incredible family of aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and his loving sister. When he was a child he wanted to be the next Ritchie Valens and maybe even the President of the United States. He said the things that made him smile were his daughter, Anysa, his son, Ethan, and being together with family. His proudest family moments were when his dad was deployed after 9/11. He had told him he was the man of the house. Another proud moment was the birth of his daughter and seeing his mom hold her for the very first time. Another was watching his cousins graduate and seeing his nephew graduate. His proudest career accomplishment was obtaining his degree and taking the leap to become a teacher. In high school, a great memory he has is being elected Mayor and had the opportunity to run the City of Odessa for 24 hours. His favorite music was anything between the 1950s and 1960s like Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valen, Little Richard, Big Bopper, and the Beatles. He loved working on computers, spending time with family, word-seek puzzles, and writing short stories.

Ray is preceded in death by his Mother Mary Mata; Father Ray Jr., and nephew Joe Ray Mata

Ray is survived by his daughter Anysa Haylee, his son Ethan Joshua, his sister Margarita Mata-Artiaga and her husband Rey. His grandmother Margarita Mata, all of Odessa. His nephews Daniel Ray, Julian Rey, and Dakota, his nieces Ashley Maria and Savannah.

Pallbearers: Joey M. Aguilar, Frankie Cavazos, Frank Fullbright, Ethan Marin, Daniel Mata, Vyron Ortiz, Chris Ramirez, and Adrian Joel “AJ” Rosas

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 14th at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home from 4 pm-8 pm and Thursday, October 15th at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home Chapel from 5 pm-9 pm. The Rosary will be recited Thursday at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 16, 2020, at 10 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Odessa. Burial to follow at the Odessa II section of Ector County Cemetery.