SAMUEL A. RAY

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV

Samuel Avery Ray, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on August 7, 2018 at the age of 84.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Leon Ray.

He was born on November 1, 1933 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late John Ray and Lina Bell Washington.  At an early age he accepted Christ and joined Pine Grove AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina.  He became the leader of the Junior Usher Board and a member of the Adult Choir.

Samuel attended Richtex and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.  He was a pitcher for Columbia Red and Pine Grove University.  Samuel joined the US Air Force in 1952 and served over 21 years until his retirement in 1974from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.  He later earned an Associate degree in Psychology from Our Lady Lake College and continued to work as a Civilian at Fort Sam Houston Military Base until his retirement.

Samuel made San Antonio, Texas his home and joined Bethel United Methodist Church.  He served as a loyal member until he was called to his eternal home.  He was a passionate and dedicated member of the Lancer Civil and Social Club, The American Legion, and a Prince Hall Master Mason in The John T Maxey #74.

Samuel Avery leaves to cherish his memory his beloved daughter and granddaughter LaToya and Avery Ray of Pflugerville, Texas; sister Glendora Jones of Columbia, South Carolina; nieces Angaletia Davis (Roger) of Sumter, South Carolina and Glenda Hallmon Turner and a nephew Staffon Ray also of Columbia, South Carolina; An extensive hosts of grand and great-grand nephews and nieces; other relatives and devoted friends especially the Mason and Hodge families. 

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation from five o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening, on Thursday, the 16th of August 2018, at Lewis Funeral Home, 811 S WW White Road, San Antonio, TX 78220. 

Funeral services will be conducted at eleven thirty in the morning on Friday, the 17th of August 2018, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 227 S Acme Road, San Antonio, Texas.  Interment will follow in Fort Sam National Cemetery.