Howard Tee Ray
November 28, 1931 ~ July 4, 2018
Howard T. Ray was born in Okolona, MS on November 28, 1931. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mable White Ray; Mattie Ray, the mother of his children; son, Howard T. Ray, Jr.; stepson, James (Tony) Jackson; brothers, James (Ned), Washington, Johnny, James (Ben), and Kenneth Ray.
Howard moved to East St. Louis, Illinois where he spent his formative years until 1950 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He became a Prisoner of War (POW) during the Korean Conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart. He also served in Europe, Africa and Vietnam. Howard continued his distinguished military career retiring after 29 years and six months of service. Among the many other medals he was awarded were: the Combat Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal – 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. Following retirement from the Army, Howard became a civilian employee at Ft. Sam Houston TX, retiring in 1997. He also served his communities through MANY military/veterans organizations, as well as NUMEROUS civic/social organizations.
In 1996, Howard married his wife of 22 years, Gloria Pryor Ray. Howard is survived by his devoted wife and children, Patricia Ray Sumers (George), James W. Ray (Kym), Ira Wade (Melody), KDon Wade, and Eric Wilson (Kerry); sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Leanna Ray Miller, Ginger Ray Ezell (Willy), Lena Ray Ezell (Johnny), brother, Wilbert Ray (Dorothy), and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Howard was a faithful, long time member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 1310 Pecan Valley Dr. His home going will be held there on Monday, July 16th, at 11:00 A.M. with internment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The viewing will be at Lewis Funeral Home, 811 S. W.W. White Rd, on Sunday, July 15th, from 1-7 P.M.
Services
Interment: July 16, 2018 1:30 pm - August 26, 2025 2:34 pm
Fort Sam Houston National CemeteryView current weather.
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Dear Family:
Please accept our deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your loved one. May you be comforted by knowing that the Almighty God is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)Â May the beautiful memories shared with your loved one along with knowing that we will be able to see our precious dead loved ones again in the near future grant you peace and comfort at this difficult time. (John 5:28,29)
Sincerest Sympathies,
The Webb Family
Mrs Gloria and family please accept my deepest condolences.God bless pray the strength of Jesus as Mr Howard transition to the next life
Love you
Karen and Larry Carter
Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Howard’s Family and extended families.
Howard was a great patriot and a very concerned about serving our Veterans and their families.
Howard was instrumental in creating the articles of incorporation for the US Military Veterans Parade Association. Without that, we would not have a parade to honor our Veterans every year.
Howard was also involved in many Veterans organizations including the past commander of Chapter 128 of Disabled American Veterans here in San Antonio. Every Veterans organization that he belonged to benefited from Howard’s fine knowledge of military protocol. Yes, Howard made tremendous contributions to and for our Military and Veteran community.
I had the honor and privilege of serving with Howard next to him as Grand Marshall in our Veterans Day parade a few years ago. Along with countless ceremonies and Veterans events that we attended.
Always a gentleman and scholar, Howard will join the final formation of the best among the best.
Godspeed.
JR Garza
Disabled American Veterans
Past Commander
Current Public Affairs Officer
15th Year Service Officer
Alamo Chapter 5
San Antonio, Texas
210-722-4256 cell
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God Bless You and Your Family in your hour of grief. I met Howard through my late husband Frank Bratcher when we moved in Millers Point. He actually DJ’d our wedding. (in the 80’s).. He will forever be in my heart as a dear friend. Again, may God Bless and Keep You Safe in His Arms…
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Ray family at the loss of their loved one. Howard and I worked in the same organization at Fort Sam Houston in the 1980’s. He was one of he nicest persons I had ever met. He was an endearing friend. May he rest in peace in God’s loving care.
Gloria:
Mary and I send our condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved husband. I have known Ray since 1962. He was always a bright light with a warm heart. We shared fond memories over the years. God bless his soul. He rests in heavenly peace.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Howard will be greatly missed. We had many great encounters with Howard at the Fiesta Commission and during all the Fiesta Activities. He and Gloria are dear to our hearts and we send our deepest sympathy to the family in their time of sorrow. Bob and Pat McConnell
Our deepest sympathy to the Howard Family. I had the opportunity to host Mr. and Mrs. Howard T. Ray during a POW/MIA ceremony on Security Hill, Lackland AFB, TX, a few years back, and knew him as a member of the SA Zulu Association.  Those memories and our conversations will always be with me. My God keep this family and give them peace; Joy Comes In The morning!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you…Godspeed.
David and Alicia Hill and Family
CMSgt (Ret) USAF
SGM Howard Ray will be greatly missed by the community as well as his family. I had the pleasure of knowing Howard while we were soldiers station at Fort Sam Houston. He was a great humanitarian and a true friend. God bless his family.
Prayers and condolences to you Gloria and family. Our continued prayers for you strength….Marcella and Greg