Obituary of Shem Ray, Jr.

Memorial Services for Shem Ray, Jr., 82, of Sulphur Springs, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday November 23, 2015 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Juan Carlos officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Tony Abercrombie, Scott Burgin, David Perry, Laddie Filak, Joe Williamson, Joe Reed Scott, Ronnie Ballard, and Joe Ames. Visitation will be on November 22, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at West Oaks Funeral Home. Shem passed away November 18, 2015 at his residence. He was born April 22, 1933 in Sulphur Springs, the son of Shem Ray Sr., and Lucy Margaret Kelty Ray. Shem married Norma Crawford on July 10, 1953 in Greenville, Texas. She survives. Early in the morning on Wednesday, Shem Ray Jr., was called to God as his body surrendered to age. In his own words, “I have had a great life with the love of a great woman and great family.” Shem was born, raised and worked almost his entire life in Sulphur Springs. His only time away was as a Korean War era Army volunteer. He was a life member of the Saint James Catholic Church. He was a Letterman of the Wildcat football team. He was an optician and General Manager of the optical lab of Southern Optical Supply. He served on the City Council from 1968 to 1970. He was a charter member and Hixom Fellow of the Sulphur Springs Kiwanis Club and sponsored their first woman member. He was a Scoutmaster of Troop 67. He was also a charter member and Commander of the American Legion Post 66 and a member of the Hopkins County Military Coalition. He was a member of the Dutch Oven Society. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by sons, Dr. Shem Ray III and his wife Wanda of Rockwall, James Noah Ray and wife Lisa, of Sulphur Springs, daughter, Anna Renee Boucher and husband Joe of Bedford, grandchildren, Riki Kurbansade, Angela and Mitch Warrick, Jamie Elizabeth Ray, Haley Ray, Shem Ray IV, Joanna Margaret Boucher, Jeff Christopher Boucher, T.J. Freeman, Katie McCarley Stark, great grandchildren, Sage, Dakota, Holt, Layla McCarley, Phoenix Copobianco, Alec Stark, Tatum Warrick, brother, Francis Eugene Ray, and sister, Billie Sue Ray. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Margaret Irene Sharp. In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Saint James CYALL Youth Group, 297 Texas St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com