Ray Horton

 Charles Ray Horton, known as Ray, went to be with his Lord on November 29, 2018, in Bastrop, Texas. Ray was born on June 4, 1929, to the late Albert and Velma Mitcham Horton in Fostoria, Texas. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years. During that time, Ray performed honorably in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning commendations in both. Ray was awarded a Silver Star for fearless leadership, devotion to duty, and the bravery of his actions while repelling an enemy attack in Con Thein, Vietnam. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during service. Ray retired in 1966 at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. While stationed in North Carolina, Ray met and fell in love with Janice Keech. Ray and Janice were married in 1958 in Beaufort County, North Carolina. After retiring from the Marine Corps, He worked in construction in the Corpus Christi area before moving to Houston to start his own home remodeling business. Later he worked as a superintendent on large commercial buildings, and he taught construction trades at Conroe High School and the Carpenter’s and Millwright’s Apprenticeship School. In 1987, Ray retired and moved to Bastrop. In retirement, Ray and Janice found fulfillment in volunteer service. With the Texas Baptist Men, Ray helped build churches across Texas and a seminary in Canada. Ray leaves behind an incredible legacy in the form of his large and devoted family, the churches he helped build, and the many lives he impacted. He was featured in Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul, for having saved several lives from a hotel and restaurant fire in 1969. Ray is survived by his four beloved children: Lou Ray, Buddy (Camille) Horton, Sonny (Charli) Horton, and Kay (Brett) Hart; fourteen grandchildren: Laura (John) Tyson, Steve (Rebecca) Horton, Travis Ray, Leah (Layne) Blackwell, Ben (Ashley) Horton, Seth (Sara) Hart, Jaymi (Robbie) Taylor, Katie Hart, Wyatt Ray, Whit (Kirsten) Horton, Alyssa (Parker) Wright, Bethany Hart, Gayle Horton, and Garrett Horton; sixteen great grandchildren: Ann Horton, Tyler Horton, Lila Ray, Daelynn Taylor, Seana Ray, Claire Tyson, Noah Blackwell, John Tyson, Joseph Hart, Madison Taylor, Natalie Blackwell, Caleb Blackwell,  William Hart, Samantha Taylor, Lucia Hart, and Alexandra Horton; and sister Carol Jean Stites. Ray is preceded in death by his devoted wife Janice, his parents, and siblings: Alene Everitt, Earl Hughes Campbell, and Corece Leston. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.