Rex G. Ray's Obituary
Rex G. Ray
Memorial services for Rex G. Ray, will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Greggton First Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby Moore officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 25 at Rader Funeral Home, Longview.
Rex was born June 4, 1939, in Hugo Oklahoma to August E. and Bessie Ray. He passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2014, in Longview. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 49 years, Linda Janice Ray, son, Ryan Lee and brother-in-law, Buster Riggs .
Rex attended Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas, where he lettered in football and basketball receiving most valuable player for the district as well as all state basketball honors. After graduation from high school Rex played basketball at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and received a degree in kinesiology and history. While at SFA he met and married his wife, Linda. Rex served in the US Army prior to starting a successful career as a basketball coach and teacher. Rex began his education career at Garrison taking two teams to the state tournament. In 1971 Rex and his family moved to Longview where he was Head Basketball Coach and world history teacher at Pine Tree High School until his retirement in 2002. The highlight of Rex’s career was Pine Tree High School’s state championship in 1973. Members of that championship team remain close to the family.
Rex is survived by two daughters, Robin Ray-Carlton of Longview and Randee Ray of Dallas. He is also survived by two sisters, Othal Turner of Texarkana and Dollie Riggs of Texarkana, brother Pete Ray and wife Joanna of Dallas, grandsons Chase and Chandler Carlton of Austin and special friend Shirley Bratton of Longview, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
The family thanks our supportive friends who are too many to mention as well as the especially dedicated doctors and nurses of Longview Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association, United Leukodystrophy Foundation, Longview Regional Hospital or the charity of your choice.
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