Ralph G. Ray

Ralph Gordon Ray, age 99, of Clifton, Texas, passed away on November 7, 2023. He was born on April 26, 1924, in Spring Creek, Texas, on Grandpa Reierson's Farm, between Cranfills Gap and Spring Creek. Ralph was a lifelong resident of Bosque County.

Ralph was a rancher at heart and started ranching in 1956. Ralph was a hard worker who found joy in caring for cats, cows, and deer. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated. Ralph will be remembered for his laughter, warm smile, kindness, and unwavering love. 

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Wanda, his daughter Mary Jo Maddux, son-in-law Bert Maddux, and grandson Bradley Ray Maddux. He was preceded in death by his father George Forrest Ray, mother Mary Josephine Reierson, son Gordon Lloyd Ray, sister Isla Ruth Dyer, and sister Olena Herzog.

In his early years, Ralph attended Live Oak, Spring Creek, and Iredell primary schools. He later studied for his G.E.D. at Clifton High School and passed his test at M.C.C. in Waco, Texas, at the age of 55, fulfilling a promise he made to his mother when he dropped out of school in 9th grade.

At the age of 17, Ralph joined the U.S. Army and worked for C.C.C., a division of the Interior Department, on road construction. He later served in various roles, including Jeep Driver, K.P. duty, 2nd cook, 1st cook, and Mess Sergeant, Receipt and Discharge Center, processing service men and women returning home from overseas. Ralph was honorably discharged from the military.

Following his military service, Ralph worked as an auto mechanic for 40 years until he closed his shop in February 1982.

Ralph was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church for 20 years, where he was baptized in the Bosque River by Rev. H. A. Polmac on August 12, 1938. After marrying Wanda, he joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton. As a family, they later attended Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where Ralph held various roles, including Trustee, Cemetery Committee member, and Deacon.

Funeral services for Ralph Gordon Ray will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Norse. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. Arrangements in care of Clifton Funeral Home.

Ralph's memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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