Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Ray Small Obituary

EL PASO -- Ray Small, a former dean of UTEP's College of Liberal Arts and emeritus professor of communication, died Sunday. He was 94.

Small, who was born on Aug. 2, 1915, in Winters, Texas, arrived in El Paso in 1961 to serve as assistant to the president of Texas Western College, now the University of Texas at El Paso.

He was a veteran of the Navy and Air Force. At UTEP he received the Liberal Arts Outstanding Achievement Award for Exceptional Lifetime Performance in 2001.

A service will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Harding Orr and McDaniel Funeral Home. He will be buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors.

Published by El Paso Times from Nov. 16 to Nov. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Small

35 Entries

Maria O'Toole

December 15, 2009

I did not know of Dean's passing till recently. As a broke nursing student, I meet Dean for the first time at the Rathskellar. He was wiping tables I took the rag out of his hand and told him I can do that and he hired me.
He was more than a boss and when I need a loan he helped me. And of cours,I paid him back in my wages. And while I did not always follow his advice he was always right.
He told me if you graduate from nursing school I will attend your graduation. He attended my pinning ceremony when my parents could not make it from Ohio. When Dean Eileen Jacobi announced that we had a special guest, Dean Ray Small I knew he was there for me.
Vaya con dios!

Maria O'Toole

December 15, 2009

I did not hear about Dean's passing til after his service. He was a key figure in my life. As a broke college student, I met him for the first time as he was wiping tables at the Rathskellar. I took the rag from him and told him I could do that and he hired me.
He was more than a boss- he supported me with a loan when I needed one and of course I paid him back in my wages. He told me if you graduate from nursing school I will attend your graduation. He attended my pinning ceremony when my parents could not make it from Ohio. I remember the Dean of Nursing Eileen Jacobi announcing that we had a special guest, Dean Ray Small but I knew he was there for me. And while I did not follow all his advice. He was almost always right.

Vaya con Dios!

Maria O'Toole RN MSN

Mike Casey

November 25, 2009

Mr. Small,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

November 21, 2009

I remember Dean Small as a kind and gentle man. Always willing to help me when I was an undergrad student at UTEP. Meeting with Dean Small for advising was always stress free and fun. Thank you for your kindness and patience. You made a difference in my life. May you rest in peace.

Patricia E. Johnson, UTEP class of 2006

Robert Esch

November 20, 2009

Ray always had a great sense of humor. I once asked him what I should do with a student who came to class wearing no shoes and exposing his dirty feet. "Well, winter is coming, Bob." A super administrative response, delivered with real wit. I know how much he was loved and appreciated by his students in both the English and Communications departments, as well as the Dean's office. Will miss his smile and his welcome when I saw him on campus over his many years of service.
Robert M. Esch, Associate Professor Emeritus

Billy Calzada

November 18, 2009

I enjoyed learning from you, Dean Small. I enjoyed your sense of humor and your touch with students. May you rest in peace.

November 18, 2009

Dearest Dean,

May you rest in peace now. You were a great man, friend, and a great influence in my life. I thank you for everything you did for me.
Victoria,
Desde el fondo de mi corazon le mando mi mas sincero pesame. Dean fue un gran hombre y un gran amigo. Gracias por haberle brindado tanta felicidad y amor. Que Dios los bendiga a todos.
Rosaura Zarazua Class of 1980 (El Paso TX)

Martha Ontiveros

November 18, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

Vanessa Ramirez

November 17, 2009

Dean Small never had an unkind word to say about anybody. He was funny and fiercely intelligent. He will be sorely missed.

Tom Alvarado

November 17, 2009

Dean Small was a beacon during an otherwise directionless time in my life. I'll never forget him.

Rudy Gutierrez

November 17, 2009

Rest in peace, Dean Small - Thanks for your support
Class of '78, '98

jsn

November 17, 2009

Dean Small was a wonderful man. I will remember him always.

Astrid Galvan

November 17, 2009

Mr. Small was my first journalism teacher and subject of my first feature, which I wrote for another journalism class. He was so kind and dedicated, and even on his 44th year of teaching journalism (my first year of learning journalism), he had as much enthusiasm as his young students. It was an honor to learn from him and get to write his story, even if it was just for class.

Dave Harrison

November 17, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Deborah Martin

November 17, 2009

I'll never forget Dean Small hanging out in the Prospector office 'til the wee hours (because deadline was something of a foreign concept to us). Looking back on it, I'm so grateful that he gave us the room to make our own choices -- even lousy ones -- and let us know he was there if we needed him. Godspeed.

Lance Murray

November 17, 2009

You would be hard pressed to find a nicer man than Dean Small. I knew him well in the 1970s when I was a journalism student at UTEP and was editor of The Prospector. My wife, Alice, and I have such rich and wonderful memories of him. UTEP and its students were fortunate to have had him as a dean, professor and friend for such a long time.

Marne Marley

November 17, 2009

I had the honor of being in two of Dr.Small's classes at UTEP. He truly was one of the best college professors I had.
He will be missed. God bless and thank you.

Max Romero

November 17, 2009

I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Small's passing. He was a much beloved and highly influential journalism professor at UTEP, not least of all for me personally, and I am grateful I had the chance to study and work with him.

He was the kind of teacher — and the kind of man — you looked up to; I know I certainly did. He was the old-style newspaper man who taught that journalism can sometimes reach the level of literature, but to never forget it's first and foremost a craft, and you'd damn well better learn your nuts and bolts.

I still take inspiration in the way he lived his life. He never stopped working, never stopped teaching, never stopped doing. He even came back just weeks after having a stroke to stay with us until past midnight, night after night, to put the Prospector to bed. We knew we could always count on him.

In my journalist's heart, I still want to grow up to be Dr. Small. He was old-school in all the ways that matter, and the profession is poorer for the loss. Here's to you, Dr. Small — thanks for everything.

C. R.

November 17, 2009

Dr. Small taught us more than the basics and foundation of journalism: He taught many of us about compassion, consideration and generosity, all through example. He genuinely cared for his students beyond the classroom, and always gave of his time and wisdom to adivse us on courses, careers and life. A true champion and friend.

Mark Friedmann

November 17, 2009

Great man. I met him in that "small office" to transfer in. He gave me a chance and changed my life. I will always remember him for his challenge and his laugh. The world will miss him as there are too few of his kind.

Christine Kruhalski

November 17, 2009

I will always be grateful to Dr. Small for all the things he did for me. He was my advisor while I received my education at UTEP. It was because of great teachers like him that I enjoyed a very successful career as a journalist and continue to use the skills he taught me on a daily basis in my work in public service. He taught us to rise above self imposed limitations and reach for the brass ring. God bless you always and thank you.

Hugo Ontiveros

November 17, 2009

Great man... have fond emories of him....I'm a former student, but always remembered him as an excellent mentor and guide at the prospector...A man with great common sense.
Good travels boss...

Pat Spencer

November 17, 2009

Dr. Small had every quality and attribute necessary to be the best college professor. His legacy will continue in the writings and careers of the journalism students he taught and inspired.

Enrique Romo

November 17, 2009

I had the honor of being in one of his classes back in the early 90s. He was a true scholar, a mentor, an educator and an honest and honorable gentleman. I couldn't have gone through my UTEP days without his advice. What a loss. May he rest in peace.

Scott D'Urso

November 17, 2009

He was a wonder man, teacher, and advisor to all of use who were fortunate enough to have known him. His impact on the field through his teaching and mentoring will be long lasting. We will miss you Dean Small.

Pam Conlin

November 17, 2009

I worked for Dr. Small at the Prospector. He was not only my boss, but a friend. I always had great respect for him, for his dedication to his profession. Rest in peace, my friend.

S.J. L

November 16, 2009

I had the honor of having Dr. Small as a professor in the early 90's. He walked with a limp back then, and seemed to have been slowed some by what I perceived to have been the effects of a stroke. Despite what was clearly a bit of struggle, he never failed to show up for class. At the time I was unaware of how long he had been at the school. That was until, I came across an old yearbook from the late 60's. There he was, looking a little younger, but much the same. Thank you, Dr. Small for serving UTEP for so long, and for adding to my education. May you rest in peace.

Rick Melendrez

November 16, 2009

I worked for Dean Ray Small at the Rathskeller for over 10 years. "Dean" as everybody called him, was the kindest & gentlest man. He was above all an educator. He took personal interest in every student's education and goals. It did not matter if you were white, black yellow or brown, he would always help you and advise you on your Utep goals. When you spoke to him, it was only you that mattered.

I began working at Dean Small's Rathskeller in 1974. It was a bar at the 2525 North Mesa, in the basement. I was hired as a waiter. Just 2 weeks into waiting tables, Dean Small took me aside and told me I was being promoted as a bartender.... I knew nothing about tending bar... Dean Small told me I would do fine.

Thus began a 10 year relationship with Dean Small. He was a great boss, he gave me & and another bartender, Ray Bernadette free rein of the club. Together we promoted Utep's off campus pub to the max. Dean Small let me feature punk rock bands on Wednesdays. Dean told me "If these kids don't have anywhere else to play they can play here, just make sure they don't bust up the place too bad." They never did. The Rathskeller became the first home of Ed Ivey & The Rhythm Pigs.

Dean even let the Student Association President, the late Larry Roquemore play his guitar & sing his original songs at "the Rath" Roquemore's voice was not the greatest, but Dean Small did not mind, he knew he was boosting Roquemore's self confidence. Roquemore would always dedicate a song to Dean.

Every employee & the regulars at the Rathskeller were family to Dean & his wife Dolly Small. The Rathskeller was not a business to them, it was their second home. It was as close to the tv series "Cheers" was, but it was real.

Dean always wanted to keep the prices down, even the pool table. Pool was only a Quarter and a pitcher of beer was only $1.75. If a thirsty student did not have enough money, Dean Small would pitch in.

One day Dean Small asked me why I was not attending Utep. I told him I could not afford it. Dean told me to come to his office the next morning. He registered me into Utep and paid my tuition as long as I passed all my courses. I became a Miner! I majored in journalism and advertising. Dean Small suggested I sell advertising at Utep's newspaper "The Prospector." For some reason I became the student advertising manager.

My first born passed away of crib death, the first one to see us at the hospital was Dean Small.

Dean Small was my friend, my brother, my father. He was always there for me. Wonderful stories of Dean Small are endless.

Thank you Dean Small, you were the best boss and greatest human being I have ever met.

Sincerely,
Rick Melendrez

Rick Melendrez

November 16, 2009

I worked for Dean Ray Small at the Rathskeller for over 10 years. "Dean" as everybody called him, was the kindest & gentlest man. He was above all an educator. He took a personal interest in every student's education and goals. It did not matter if you were white, black, yellow or brown, he would always help you and advise you on your UTEP goals. When you spoke to him, it was only you that mattered.

I began working at Dean Small's Rathskeller in 1974. It was a bar at the 2525 North Mesa, in the basement. I was hired as a waiter. Just 2 weeks into waiting tables, Dean Small took me aside and told me I was being promoted as a bartender.... I knew nothing about tending bar... Dean Small told me I would do fine.

Thus began a 10-year relationship with Dean Small. He was a great boss. He gave me & and another bartender, Ray Bernadette free rein of the club. Together we promoted UTEP's off-campus pub to the max. Dean Small let me feature punk rock bands on Wednesdays. Dean told me, "If these kids don't have anywhere else to play they can play here, just make sure they don't bust up the place too bad." They never did. The Rathskeller became the first home of Ed Ivey & The Rhythm Pigs.

Dean even let the Student Association President, the late Larry Roquemore play his guitar & sing his original songs at "the Rath" Roquemore's voice was not the greatest, but Dean Small did not mind, he knew he was boosting Roquemore's self confidence. Roquemore would always dedicate a song to Dean.

Every employee & the regulars at the Rathskeller were family to Dean & his wife Dolly Small. The Rathskeller was not a business to them, it was their second home. It was as close to the tv series "Cheers" was, but it was real.

Dean always wanted to keep the prices down, even the pool table. Pool was only a quarter and a pitcher of beer was only $1.75. If a thirsty student did not have enough money, Dean Small would pitch in.

One day Dean Small asked me why I was not attending Utep. I told him I could not afford it. Dean told me to come to his office the next morning. He registered me into Utep and paid my tuition as long as I passed all my courses. I became a Miner! I majored in journalism and advertising. Dean Small suggested I sell advertising at Utep's newspaper "The Prospector." For some reason I became the student advertising manager.

When my firstborn passed away of crib death, the first one to see us at the hospital was Dean Small.

Dean Small was my friend, my brother, my father. He was always there for me. Wonderful stories of Dean Small are endless.

Thank you Dean Small, you were the best boss and greatest human being I have ever met.

Sincerely,
Rick Melendrez

Rick Melendrez

November 16, 2009

I worked for Dean Ray Small at the Rathskeller for over 10 years. "Dean" as everybody called him, was the kindest & gentlest man. He was above all an educator. He took personal interest in every student's education and goals. It did not matter if you were white, black yellow or brown, he would always help you and advise you on your Utep goals. When you spoke to him, it was only you that mattered.

I began working at Dean Small's Rathskeller in 1974. It was a bar at the 2525 North Mesa, in the basement. I was hired as a waiter. Just 2 weeks into waiting tables, Dean Small took me aside and told me I was being promoted as a bartender.... I knew nothing about tending bar... Dean Small told me I would do fine.

Thus began a 10 year relationship with Dean Small. He was a great boss, he gave me & and another bartender, Ray Bernadette free rein of the club. Together we promoted Utep's off campus pub to the max. Dean Small let me feature punk rock bands on Wednesdays. Dean told me "If these kids don't have anywhere else to play they can play here, just make sure they don't bust up the place too bad.. They never did. The Rathskeller became the first home of Ed Ivey & The Rhythm Pigs.

Dean even let the Student Association President, the late Larry Roquemore play his guitar & sing his original songs at "the Rath" Roquemore's voice was not the greatest, but Dean Small did not mind, he knew he was boosting Roquemore's self confidence. Roquemore would always dedicate a song to Dean.

Every employee & the regulars at the Rathskeller were family to Dean & his wife Dolly Small. The Rathskeller was not a business to them, it was their second home. It was as close to the tv series "Cheers" was, but it was real.

Dean always wanted to keep the prices down, even the pool table. Pool was only a Quarter and a pitcher of beer was only $1.75. If a thirsty student did not have enough money, Dean Small would pitch in.

One day Dean Small asked me why I was not attending Utep. I told him I could not afford it. Dean told me to come to his office the next morning. He registered me into Utep and paid my tuition as long as I passed all my courses. I became a Miner! I majored in journalism and advertising. Dean Small suggested I sell advertising at Utep's newspaper "The Prospector" For some reason I became the student advertising manager.

My first born passed away of crib death, the first one to see us at the hospital was Dean Small.

Dean Small was my friend, my brother, my father. He was always there for me. Wonderful stories of Dean Small are endless.

Thank you Dean Small, you were my best friend, best boss and greatest human being I have ever met.

Sincerely,
Rick Melendrez

Michael McGahhey

November 16, 2009

I was privileged to be a student in Dr. Small's last class at UTEP. He combined strict adherence to form with a genuine love for students. He will be sorely missed.

Oscar Arriaga

November 16, 2009

You were my teacher and counselor to get into electronic media. May you rest in peace.

Sam Gaytan

November 16, 2009

Ray Small was one of the best people I met at UTEP. He helped advise us at the campus newspaper, The Prospector, and always had good advice. He was fun and educational to talk with. At the time he also had a small punk bar near the campus and took pity on us broke young journalists and would treat us to pitchers. He didn't see race or ethnicity in the students around him, he saw potential. He was a wise, friendly educator and he will be missed.

Patrick McDonnell

November 16, 2009

Dean Small helped foster the careers of a legion of El Paso journalists. AND he was a pioneer for punk rock in the city back in the early 80s, when he let punk rock bands play at his bar, the Rathskellar. He was a true champion of freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Rest in peace, Dean Small, and thanks for everything.

nj c

November 16, 2009

He was working up until he was in his 80's. He recommended my taking business classes as a minor. It changed my focus altogether. I have him to thank for even considering business. He was a gem!!!

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results