Priest Ray Walter III

1942 - 2023

Ray Walter Priest III was born in Pasadena, Texas on March 11,1942 and died peacefully at home in Conroe on May 27,2023.

Preceding him in death were his father Ray Priest Jr., mother Mary Lou Durham, and brother Daniel Wren Priest. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Donna Ray Priest, sons David Ray Priest & Randall Ray Priest, daughter-in-laws Stacy Abella & Kendra Priest and grandchildren Avery, Celeste, and Stephen Priest.

Ray joined the Marines after graduation from Pasadena High School in 1959 where he played trumpet in the band. He later played in church orchestras and played Taps anywhere he was asked. He began his career as an airline pilot flying for Trans Texas Airways and retired at age 60 from United Airlines. Ray was active in the Marine Corps League oh Conroe where he loved working with Toys for Tots every Christmas. He was a member of Marine Corps Musicians where he served as President and reunion chairman where he and Donna attended many reunions at Marine bases all across the country. He served as a Deacon at First Baptist and for many years volunteered serving lunch once a month at the Salvation Army. Ray willed be buried at the Houston National Cemetery, a private family service.