Raymond Aguilar

Raymond Camacho Aguilar crossed the finish line on February 6, 2021 with his wife Gayle and family by his side.

Born on January 27, 1939 in Tempe, AZ to Juan and Concepcion Aguilar, Ray was one of 10 children in an active and loving family. An athlete like many of his siblings, Ray was a multi-sport star at Tempe High School in the late 1950’s. He was an unstoppable 4 year letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and track, often competing in multiple sports on the same day. Ray’s many accolades culminated in a Track and Field Scholarship to ASU and induction into the Tempe High School Hall of Fame.

Ray and Gayle ( Walls ) lived their entire lives in Tempe, raising 4 daughters and one son. They shared many happy years with numerous local friends and extended family, supporting youth sports and the City of Tempe. For over 30 years you could find Ray at either of the service stations he and Gayle owned. Aguilar Chevron at Central and Van Buren in downtown Phoenix and Fiesta Unocal on Broadway at Priest in Tempe were where he welcomed friends who were customers and customers who became friends. Ray was a staunch supporter of the local business community. He exemplified the local business owner who treated his customers as neighbors.

Ray was “Tata” and beloved by his family and so many others for his huge, generous heart and the ability to make anyone laugh. His greatest joy was his family, focusing on Gayle and their daughters Denise ( husband Tom ) McDonald, Renee ( Steve ) Craddock, Michelle ( Jim ) Barnett, Yvette ( Mike ) Thornton, and son Roger, their 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was very close to his brothers Johnny, Joe, Frank, Ynez, and Lupe Aguilar, and his sisters Soccoro Federico, Concha Hertenstein, Mercy Smith, and the late Terry Gladney. His many nieces and nephews were all his “ Favorite!” He loved it when family or friends would drop into the station or at home for a visit. He coached many youth teams, loved to take kids hunting and fishing, and attend their graduations. For many years he officiated high school basketball and baseball games around the state, often with his lifelong friend, NBA Official Tommy Nunez.

Ray built a log cabin in the high country near Mormon Lake. He and Gayle loved hosting family and friends there, using his limitless energy chopping firewood or keeping the ATVs running for the kids. Anyone passing by knew to drop in on Ray and Gayle for a friendly visit in the cool mountains.

Ray was an avid golfer, and even scored a hole-in-one just a few years ago. He and his brother Ynez have been active members of the Par Gents Golf Club for many years. He loved joking and teaching the younger players a thing or two!

Ray’s life was an example of generosity, sacrifice, and unconditional love. He will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ray at Grace Community Church, 1200 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ on Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 p.m. Social distancing will be observed and face coverings are required.

The service will be live streamed via http://bit.ly/rayaguilarmemorial

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to "Dementia Friendly Tempe".

Donations can be mailed to:
 
City of Tempe Human Resources
3500 S Rural Rd
Suite 202
Tempe,AZ 85282
 
Or 
City Hall
Mayors Office
31 E 5th St
Tempe, AZ 85282
 

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