Albany Cemetery

Albany, Bryan County, Oklahoma

© Brown's Funeral Service
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Rickey Lynn Ray

20 Mar 1951~ October 16, 2023

Rickey Hampton Ray, 72, of Euless, Texas passed away on October 16, 2023, in Waco, Texas. Rickey was born on March 20, 1951, in Durant, Oklahoma to Russell Hampton Ray Sr. and Mary Ethelene (Deel) Ray. Rickey attended grade school in Bokchito and later graduated from RL Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas, and A&P School through Southwest Aero Motive. He married Carrie Lynne Marr on October 21, 1988, in Euless, Texas and they began their journey together. They were truly blessed with 34 years of marriage until Carrie's passing on April 30, 2023. He retired after 48 years with GE Engine Service as a jet engine mechanic. He was a union representative for many years fighting for the employees and negotiations with Lockhead Martin-IAM 276. For many years Rickey supported local sports teams, especially football and drill team even after Stormy graduated high school. Rickey coached Richard's basketball team at Kemp, and both he and Richard coached Rachel's softball team while in junior high.

At an early age, he began mowing lawns to help provide support for his family. In his early 20's and 30's, he restored several hotrods and would race them then come back home and break them down to road legal to drive to work the next day. Rickey had a worm farm at Cedar Creek Lake and would supply worms to many marinas and would tell stories about catching big catfish with goldfish. He instilled in all his children and all his grandchildren, when you work hard for what you have, you appreciate it more. Don't expect a handout, family is all you have. Don't be afraid to come to him for advice. You may not like it, but he could always give you the "Why his way was better".

Rickey loved sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, and NASCAR. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, hunting, camping, playing his guitar and singing, horseraces and going to the casino. He loved taking cruises to different places with Carrie, trips to Vegas and Branson and all things related to Shimmy Giggles.

Rickey is preceded in death by his wife Carrie Lynne Marr Ray; son Richard Hampton Ray and parents Russell Hampton Ray Sr. and Mary Ethelene Deel Ray Harris.

Rickey is survived by his daughters Rachel Pierce and husband Jackie, Stormy Finley, and Misty Arwood and husband Greg; grandchildren Korey and Jessica Ray, Justin Ray, Lauren Bradley, Sidney Bradley, Jalynne Gill, and Trinity, Abby, Emma, and Tyler Arwood; great grandchildren Autumn and Miles Ray; siblings Maryland Daniels, Russell Hampton Ray Jr. and wife LaFrieda, and Billy Leon Ray, David Marr and wife Debbie, and Randy Marr and wife Monda; pets BooBoo, Lou, and Elliemae; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; special friends on East Ash Lane, Ron and Pam, Byron and Wayne, and friend Juan.