Douglas Ray

Douglas Ray, age 90, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly home on February 22, 2019. A memorial celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church of Temple, Texas. Rev. Gary Anthony will officiate. A private family burial will precede the service at Bellwood Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors from 5-7 pm Monday, February 25, 2019 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.

Doug was born February 8, 1929 in Ralls, Texas to Lola Betty Ferguson Ray and Claude Duran Ray. He attended Rogers Schools and graduated valedictorian in May of 1946. It was during high school that Doug’s five year courtship with Lena Ruth Green began. They married on June 16, 1950 at First Baptist Church Rogers. After 68 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on November 9, 2018.

After working a few years as a crew caller for Santa Fe Railroad, and painting with his brother, Doug started his own paint contracting business. Later on, Douglas Ray and Sons was formed and they painted Central Texas for over 30 years. Doug was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and enjoyed sharing Christ with anyone he met. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Temple where he was a deacon, served on numerous church committees, and taught children and youth for 35 years. Doug loved spending time with his family and longtime friends, as well as fishing, hunting, and reading. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, encourager and friend. All who knew him were continually blessed by his warmth, good humor, and stories.

Doug is survived by his two sons, Mark and wife Celia of Temple, David and wife Heide of Temple. “Papa” has four grandchildren – Justin of Temple, Tyler and wife Courtney of Houston, Rebekah of Galveston, Bradley of Austin, and two great grandchildren, Reagan Marie and Reid Douglas of Houston all of whom he loved and prayed for daily. In addition to his wife Ruth, he was preceded in death by his brother Doyle Ray, and sister Virginia Ray Thompson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cornerstone Gardens and Scott and White Hospice for their loving and compassionate care given to both Doug and wife, Ruth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Temple Youth Ministry or Building Fund.