"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 ESV

Gary Lee Ray was born January 27, 1940, to Robert and Beatrice Ray in Houston, Texas and passed from this world to meet his Lord on January 8, 2026.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Beatrice Ray, brother Wayne Ray, and son-in-law, Richard Galonek. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ray, his daughters Tammy Galonek, Kathy McKeever and her husband Mike, Leigh Kovalcik and her husband Mitch, his son Eddie Ray and his wife Stephanie. Gary was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Misty Bounds, Steven Bounds (Ashley), Kerry Aguilar, Shane Anderson (Maisie), Matthew McKeever, Chris Kovalcik (Sarah), Austin Kovalcik (Katie), Slade Ray, Dagan Ray, and Saxon Ray along with 19 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Gary served in the United States Navy for four-years during which time he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Sanders of Houston, Texas, on December 26, 1958.  He was blessed with his first child (Tammy) during his time in the Navy before returning to Houston, Texas.  Gary worked various jobs after the military (as a baker and later a Constable) when the Lord blessed him again with his second child (Kathy).  He hired on with GTE and began his career as a telephone man and was blessed again with another daughter (Leigh) and a son (Eddie).  Gary spent 27 years with GTE before retiring and starting his own business selling and repairing computers in Friendswood, Texas.

Through the influence of his wife Ruth and her father Duward Sanders, Gary was introduced to and gave his life to Jesus Christ.  Gary was a man of strong faith and conviction and spent the rest of his life serving the Lord and his family in every way that he could. In his spare time, Gary liked tinkering with electronics, building/fixing things, raising animals (large and small), hunting and fishing.  He loved to aggravate those he loved and was ALWAYS in a great mood at ridiculous hours of the morning. Gary was a godly man, a loving father and husband, a brother in Christ, and a great friend to all that knew him.  While we are deeply saddened by our loss, we can take comfort in knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memorial Services:
01/17/2026 @11AM
Westside Church of Christ
831 Heights Rd
Alvin, Texas 77512

In lieu of flowers/plants, please donate to Alzheimer's & Dementia Research Association or MD
Anderson Cancer Center