Rex attended various schools in Fannin County and in Germany after WWII. He graduated from Ector High School and then from North Texas State University (now UNT) in 1956. Rex served in the US Air Force in Sherman, TX where he met and married Belle Deupree. Both taught school in various locations including Alaska, Colorado and Texas. They eventually settled in Grand Prairie where they raised their three children, Joe, Bryan and Beth. It was also at this time that Rex worked at LTV as a tool designer on various projects including the Stealth Bomber. Rex was a deacon at Inglewood Baptist Church and involved with the Volunteer Christian Builders. This led him to travel throughout the US, Mexico, Kyrgystan and 13 trips to Japan.
Rex’s passion for sports continued into his 40s, 50s and 60s including basketball, softball, and scuba diving. He helped start Grand Prairie’s youth soccer program by constructing many soccer goals. The first soccer game Rex he ever saw was a game he coached. In his 50s, he became a competitive triathlete and marathon runner and was awarded trophies in many races. He was proud to qualify for the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii.
After retiring, Rex returned to the family farm in Bonham. He used his ingenuity to create a playground at his home. His projects included a 40-foot slide, a merry-go-round utilizing an inverted car axle, a Texas size see-saw and a 10-acre lake with a floating dock and diving board. He obtained a bicycle patent with a unique peddling system.
After 57 years of marriage and the passing of his wife, Belle, Rex contacted an old sweetheart from college. At age 84, Rex and Judy Abbott married and enjoyed 9 fun years of travel and family. They were both active members at New Zion Baptist Church where Rex was a charter member and a deacon.
Rex is survived by his wife, Judy Ray, son Joe Ray and his wife, Beth of Midlothian; son Bryan Ray and wife, Helene of Bedford; daughter, Beth Ray Porter, and husband, Ken of Bonham; stepson Keith Abbott and wife, Amanda of Dallas; stepson Jim Abbott and wife, Lori of Ridgefield, CT; sister Ann Rinker and husband, Rollie of Perryton; sister Raynell Glaser and husband, Jim of Bonham; brother-in-law Joe Deupree of Colleyville; 10 grandchildren (Isaac, Dan, David, Sam, Joseph, Michael, Scott, Jennifer, Erika and Dylan), 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by wife, Belle Deupree Ray; parents, David and Elizabeth Ray; brother, Hez Houston Ray and wife,
Beverly.
Family night will be in Bonham at Wise Funeral Home, Wednesday, October 9 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Celebration service will be at New Zion Baptist Church, Thursday, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided by New Zion Baptist Church after the graveside service.
