Walter Clyde

Slay Memorial Funeral Center Aubrey, Texas Walter Clyde Ray, 85, of Aubrey, died quietly at his home on Saturday, March 24, 2012. He was born September 11, 1926 in Boyd, Texas to Walter L. and Mary Henrietta Crawford Ray. After graduating from Boyd High School and service in the Navy, he graduated from what is now the University of North Texas. Walter married Pauline Blevins in 1952 in Matador, Texas. They had two children-Lydia Clydeen and Bobby Hal. Both Pauline and Clydeen died in 1989. He married Jane Bell Mitchell in May of 1994. Walter had many interests including ranching, community organizations and the local school board. He was co-owner and President of Pilot Point National Bank. He was a member of Gateway United Baptist Church of Denton. However, in Walter's own words, his said that he "was particularly proud of participation in the planning, funding, and construction of The Shepherd's Storehouse in Pilot Point. Thru this organization many needy families have been assisted with food, clothing, and other emergency needs." This organization is currently serving 150 families per month. Survivors include his wife, Jane, and children: son, Hal Ray and wife, Dianna, of Denton; son-in law, George Helm and wife, Lauran, of Fort Worth; daughters, Melody McCleskey of Grover Beach, CA; Allison Box and husband, Steve, of Plano. Also surviving are grandchildren: Katie Helm Smith and husband, Garrett; Abbey Lynn Helm; Emily Diane and Sara Kathryn Ray; Grace McClesky; Stephanie, Alexa, Blake, Whitney Box and great grandson, Grayson Smith. He has one surviving sister, Fae Ray Whisant of Palmetto, FL and many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by wife, Pauline; daughter, Clydeen; both parents; and sisters, Bertha, Vonnie, Trannie, Lola, Mavis and Audrey. Walter will be remembered for his Christian faith, great sense of humor, storytelling ability, love of singing gospel music, and pride in his family. Services will be held at Slay Funeral Home Chapel in Aubrey. Visitation for friends and family is on Monday evening from 6 - 8 pm. The service is on Tuesday at 2 pm. The officiating ministers will be Luther Slay and Buddy Owens. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Denton, TX. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials, if you desire, be made to The Shepherd's Storehouse, % Luther Slay, P.O. Box 1125, Pilot Point, TX.76258. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Walter Clyde please visit our Sympathy Store.