Lee R. Ray

Mr. Lee R. Ray, age 90 of Allen passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2008. He was born in Hopkins County on October 25, 1918 to the late Luther Rex and Martha Alexander Ray.He served five years in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II. He married Myra Jean Hicks on December 10, 1950. Lee organized, owned and operated Lee Ray Inc. from 1951-1986 in Winnsboro. He was a former Winnsboro City Council member, a two term former Mayor of Winnsboro first in the 1960's and then the 1980's. He served on the Winnsboro Hospital Board of Directors, Winnsboro Hunting and Fishing Club, the Industrial foundation, Leading Edge Committee, Lee Cemetery Board, was a charter member and vice-chairman of Wood County Crimestoppers, helped organize and found the former Winnsboro Bank & Trust, and served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was a former member of First Baptist Church of Winnsboro, and currently a member and usher at Prestonwood Baptist Church of Plano. He was also a 32nd degree mason. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, F.A. Ray; a grandson, Corey Ray; two sisters, Judy Rushing, Gladine Blount. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Jean Hicks Ray of Allen; one son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Becky Ray of Plano; one borther, Bobby Lee Ray of Winnsboro; two sisters, Guynelle Stribling and husband Johnnie of Sulphur Springs, Shirley Shamburger and husband Skeet of Tyler; one grandchild, Tara Lee Benedict of Irving, Tx; one step-grandson, Zach Ray; two great-grandchildren, Caden and Gabe Benedict.