William Ray

William Burl Ray, 94, of Hobbs, NM, passed from this life May 11, 2013, in Hobbs. He was born June 2, 1918, in Gentry MO. Services are pending with Chapel of Hope FWm. Burl Ray, age 94, passed peacefully in his sleep Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Desert Gardens Assisted Living in Hobbs. Burl was born in Gentry, Missouri on June 2,1918 one of three children to Lewis and Fay Ray. He grew up in Missouri and Washington state graduating from high school in Spokane. He moved to Hobbs in 1937 working for K.L. Towle Construction before being the third draftee from Lea County in February 1941 and being inducted into the U.S. Army.
Burl married Dorothy Stagner in Dallas, Texas January 31,1942 while stationed at Fort Sill Oklahoma. After attaining the rank of Sergeant he entered Officer Candidate School at Edgewood Arsenal Maryland September 1942 and graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Force Chemical Warfare January 1943. He served the rest of his enlistment with the 39 Squadron, 8 Army Air Force at Dew, England ending his military career as a Captain returning to civilian life in Dallas, Texas December 1945.
He returned to Hobbs with Dorothy and son Bill June 1948 and continued working for K.L. Towle Construction in the oilfields until his retirement in June 1980. During his time in Hobbs he served on the Hobbs City Commission from 1964 through 1972 serving one term as mayor. After traveling the U.S. and Canada in their motor home Burl and Dorothy resided in Mabank, Texas from April 1984 through July 2000 returning to Hobbs August 2000 to be closer to their friends. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3274, Hobbs Masonic Lodge 63, Scottish Rite, Shriners and First United Methodist Church of Hobbs.
He was preceded in death by his father Lewis Ray, mother Fay Ray, brother Charles Ray, sister Lucille Brooks and sons Doug and Bob Ray.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Dorothy, son Bill and wife Carolyn, son Dick, grandsons Derek and Jeff, greatgrandsons Dakota and Paxton, numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at the Hobbs Masonic Lodge 63, 2400 N. Jefferson, Hobbs New Mexico at 2:00 PM May 29, 2013.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 199300, Dallas, Texas 752199842.