Ray Landers' Obituary
James Rayburn Landers passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 82, at his home in Deer Park, Texas. Known to his friends as Ray, he was a man of strength, faith, resilience, and compassion.
Ray was born on May 24, 1942, in Longview, Texas, to the late James Clarience and Effie Bell Mattox Landers. He was the middle child of the Landers family, with an older sister, Kathryn (Kathy), and a younger sister, Jo Ann. He grew up in Judson, Texas, graduated Valedictorian from Judson High School in 1960, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in mathematics in 1964. That same year, he began his career in education with Deer Park ISD as a mathematics teacher and basketball coach.
Ray started at Deer Park Junior High, then after three years moved up to Deer Park High School. He was named head varsity basketball coach in 1971, leading his teams to the district championship in 7 of the 11 years he coached. As head coach, he compiled a record of 305-95, achieving a winning percentage of over 76%. In 1982, Ray was named the district’s second athletic director, a position in which he served for four years.
Ray was later appointed assistant superintendent for instruction and retired in 1998 as deputy superintendent for instruction, having dedicated all 35 years as an educator to Deer Park ISD. During his career, he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Houston where he was named the Oberholtzer Outstanding Graduate Student in 1990. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
After retiring from the school district, Ray began a second career as a financial advisor, a profession he pursued for 16 years. He founded Landers Financial Strategies, which later became LifeStyle Financial Advisors. Ray was passionate about working with the Deer Park community and surrounding areas, especially teachers, plant workers, and individuals from all walks of life. He took great pride in running a “hometown investment firm,” helping clients invest and save for their retirement needs.
Ray was devoted to the Deer Park community, especially through his work with the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, his dedication was recognized with several honors, including being named Deer Park Citizen of the Year in 1976, Deer Park Business of the Year in 2012, and receiving the Wayne Slovacek Humanitarian Award in 2018. He also established The Felton F. Waggoner Hall of Honor to recognize outstanding Deer Park High School alumni and created the Dr. Ray Landers Scholarship awarded to a Deer Park graduate each year.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray was a man of many talents and interests, including golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was especially proud to be “Grandpa Coach” to his three wonderful grandchildren.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Effie Landers, his sister and brother-in-law, Charles and Kathy Cabaniss, and his brother-in-law, Jerry Miller. He is survived by his sister, Jo Ann Miller, his niece and nephews, Kevin and wife Carol Cabaniss, Kristin Cabaniss, Mason and wife Heather Miller, Brandon Miller, and a number of great nieces and nephews. His grandchildren, Chase, Cyann, and Cash Frazier, along with their parents, Keith Frazier and Arianne Chavez, also survive him.
A private graveside service will be held for the family at the First Baptist Church of Judson Cemetery. A memorial service and reception celebrating Ray’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at South Main Baptist Church, Pasadena, 4300 East Sam Houston Pkwy S, Pasadena, TX 77505.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Ray’s name be sent to either the Texas Baptist Home for Children, 629 Farley St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 or The Felton F. Waggoner Hall of Honor Dr. Ray Landers Scholarship, DPISD Communications Dept., 2800 Texas Ave, Deer Park TX 77536.
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