Ray Gene Hinze

RAY GENE HINZE 1941-2007 Ray Gene Hinze 65, died Sunday January 28, 2007 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He spent his final weeks surrounded by many cherished friends and family. Ray Gene was born in Groesbeck, Limestone County Texas December 18, 1941. He was preceded in death by his father Paul William Eldor Hinze, his mother Mary Muriel Hinze Simons, his stepfather Jake Simons and his stepbrother Robert Stanford. He is survived by his wife Linda Joyce Hinze, daughter Christina Lynn Hinze, son Stephen Lee Hinze, daughter-in-law Renee Soraiz Hinze, grandson Bryce Christopher Hinze, sister Linda Joy Dodson, half sister Paula Stallard, two step brothers, Tommy and Charles Stanford and numerous other relatives and friends. Ray Gene Hinze graduated '61 from La Vega High School in Waco, Texas where he excelled in Baseball, Track, Basketball and Football. In 2004 Ray Gene was honored by the Waco Tribune-Herald as a member of the All-Time Super Centex Football Team which noted that he was named All Super Centex for three years while in High School. During his athletic career at Texas A &M University `65 He was a 3 year Letterman, All Southwest conference in 1964, member of the Lettermen's "T" association and represented A&M in the East-West Shrine Game and All-American Game. He played both offense tackle and defense guard, rarely leaving the game. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills and played through the preseason. Ray went on to finish the season with the Wheeling Ironmen of the Continental Football League after being cut by the Buffalo Bills. A year as graduate assistant for the Texas Aggies coaching with Gene Stallings followed before Ray moved his family to Houston, Texas. He began his High School Coaching career at Sam Houston High School in H.I.S.D. where he spent ten of his twelve years as Head Football Coach. Ray said that he missed working directly with the athletes and became a defensive coordinator in 1979 for Jersey Village High School after moving to the city of Jersey Village in 1974. He remained at Jersey Village High School coaching golf as well as football until he retired in May of 2000 after 32 years in education. Although he had attained a Masters and Administrative Degree in Education; He had no difficulty turning down administrative positions during this time in order to continue what he loved most. His passion was teaching and coaching. Ray also loved his church family at Jersey Village Baptist Church where he was an active member. When not at school or church, Ray loved spending time with his family. He was a loving father, remarkable friend, admired coach, wonderful husband, caring brother, adored grandfather and an inspiration to those who knew him. His favorite Bible passage is found in I Corinthians 9:24-26. He was humble, kind and giving as He ran his race of life with dignity. He goes to be with the Lord leaving a legacy of cherished memories to those who knew him. His was a life well lived. A Memorial Service will be held on January 31 at 4:00 PM at Jersey Village Baptist Church 16518 Jersey Drive, Houston Texas 77040-1906. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Jersey Village Baptist Church "His House" building fund in Ray's name or to the charity of your choice.