RALEIGH RAY LAIR
September 19, 1934 ~ April 1, 2020
On the morning of April 1, 2020, Raleigh Ray Lair of San Antonio, Texas, passed away at the age of 85.
Raleigh was born to William and Montess (McCrary) Lair in Anna, Texas on September 19, 1934. After graduating from Anna High School in 1951, being too young to enlist in the military, Raleigh’s father signed for him to enlist in the Air Force to serve his country and see the world. As an NCO, throughout his life, whenever addressed as “Sir” Raleigh responded, “I’m not a Sir, I work for a living!” Raleigh served for 22 years before retiring in 1973 as a Master Sergeant—retiring for the first time. After attending college and mastering another career, he worked another 20 years in the civilian sector retiring twice more—the last one took!!
He married his first love, Joyce Morris, in 1955; they raised a family together while exploring the world, returning to San Antonio in 1974.
After seven years of friendship he found new love with Gladys Fay James and they married on September 19, 2007, making their shared birthday their wedding day. Fay brought him great joy until the day he passed.
Raleigh’s natural sense of humor made easy friends with everyone around him. His storytelling was legendary, stretching a 10 minute event into a two hour story that entertained all around him. His stories often were accompanied by a wink and a whisper that poetic license may have been exercised a bit. After football in high school and boxing in the Air Force, for many years he spent…well, many years on the golf course—through earthquakes in Turkey and typhoons in the Philippines, finally retiring from golf in his 70’s, complaining that his pacemaker interfered with his backswing!
His faith was strong and enduring through many challenges. As a leader he inspired respect; as a friend he inspired loyalty; as a father, grandfather, brother, and husband he inspired love. His ability to love, sacrifice, provide, endure, and support will forever be lessons to those of us who loved him and knew his love.
Raleigh is survived by Fay, Joyce, his children Patty, Tom, and V.J. (and her husband Kenneth J. Graves); stepchildren Wesley and Crystal; grandchildren Tristan, LaToya, Adam, Matthew, Ka’Nika, Sha’Nika Na’lliyah, Ki’Yanna , JayDa, Ki’Shaun, Jordan, Damien, Jay’Ceion; great grandson Jordan; and his brothers and sisters Billy Mac, Dan, Richard, Alan, Marijewel, and Kathy.
The family acknowledges with deep appreciation the many expressions of kindness and love from far and near, shown us during this most difficult time.
Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, services will be private.
Services
Private Interment:
Fort Sam Houston National CemeteryView current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Many fond memories growing up with Raleigh Ray and his siblings! Love to all his family!
Raleigh was a very special part of my life. He touched my heart and soul like no one else could. It made my heart so happy for him when Faye came into his life. The love he had been waiting for. My heart is broken for Faye and his extended family. Raleigh, I love you and you will always be in my heart! â¤ï¸ðŸ™
Raleigh, you will be missed tremendously! Gone are all the fun times, the get togethers and your wonderful laugh.Â
We are so glad you found Fay and your strong love for her was so beautiful and evident in the way you looked at her and spoke of her. You will live forever in our hearts and our thoughts and prayers are with you and Fay.
Raleigh, you will be truly missed. Gone is your laughter, the twinkle in your eye, all the fun times, get togethers and tennis matches. We are so glad that you and Fay were together till the end. The love you had for her was evident in the way you looked at her and spoke of her. Our hearts and prayers are with you and Fay.
When Raliegh walked in he room he had a genuine hug and smile for everyone making you feel loved. I will miss those hugs Rest In Peace my friend.
Gladys, you and family have our condolences. I sat side Raleigh many Sundays in Church. I must say that Raleigh’s heart was in the right place and we enjoyed each other company during church. He will be missed and God bless all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family for comfort and peace at such an unexpected loss. Raleigh was a true Southern gentleman whose kindness and warmth would light up a room. His wit and sense of humor were such a delight to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Â
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Ral on the golf course in the early 2000s. He was an extremely kind man and always made me feel welcome into the foursome. Through the years he provided many learning moments which I eagerly absorbed. We shared many sports opinions and even after his golfing days were over, he always offered encouragement for our chosen teams. I will miss those exchanges and I cherish the memories. Rest well Mr. Lair.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family.
Raleigh was a generous and kind man. Â He had a big heart that made room for many. He touched many lives in positive ways and will be greatly missed. Â
Raleigh was a huge part of my childhood- his love and laughter taught me how to be a better person. He had a way of asking questions that made me think and of telling stories that made me laugh. I learned to love golf and people from him. When our paths separated it was a huge loss and I missed his presence. I am very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family in this time. I know that he will be missed. My family sends our deepest condolences. I thank the Lord that I had the benefit of knowing and loving Raleigh many moons ago.