Robert Sherman Ray

Robert Sherman Ray, Jr. was born March 10th, 1925 in Crow, Texas to the late Robert Sherman Ray, Sr. and Nellie B. Perryman Ray. He had one sister, Patsy Ray Heyland. In 1942 he graduated from Mineola High School at the age of 17. With the permission of his parents, in 1943, he joined the Army Air Corp and proudly served his country during WWII. He trained in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Robert was a 1st Lieutenant in the 15th Air Force, 777th Squadron and 464th Bomb group. He was a pilot and flew 41 combat missions and was based in Pantanella, Italy. During his 6th mission, the B-24 bomber he was piloting had mechanical failure and he and his crew had to bail out over the Austrian Mountains. God was with him, and he was able to return to his home base after being missing in action for 22 days. He was wounded in action over Yugoslavia in 1944. He was discharged from the Air Corp on November 16th, 1945. He was the recipient of an Air Medal, Two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), a Purple Heart, European Theater Operation (ETO), 4 battle stars, District Unit Citation, and numerous ribbons. After the war, he returned home to Crow, Texas and married his love, Opal Daphna Counts on July 20th, 1946. They were married for 69 years and had one son, Robert Wayne Ray. He retired from SWEPCO in 1987 as a welder machinist. He was baptized into Christ at the age of 30 and was a member of the Broad Street Church of Christ in Mineola, Texas.

Robert flew his last sortie on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024 in Tyler, Texas at the age of 99. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, and his sister.

He is survived by son Robert W. Ray of Crow. Three granddaughters, Stefanie A. Neville and her husband Jeremy of Merritt Island, FL, Stacie R. Puckett and her husband Michael of Chandler, and Stormie A. Ray of Tyler. Nine great grandchildren, Landyn A. Neville, Kasen W. Neville, Makendyn A. Neville, Emma K. Puckett, Madison H. Puckett, Lawsynn R. Puckett, Kaycie R. Puckett, Parker R. Perry, and Harlow M. Perry. Niece Pamela A. Spinks and her husband Bob of Jones, Oklahoma and 1st Cousin Perry E. Ray and his wife Charlette of Crow and several other nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Monday, July 1st, 2024 at the Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola, Texas. The funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Broad Street Church Christ in Mineola, Texas with Mr. Canaan Noble officiating. Robert will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Ray Family Cemetery following the service. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.