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Ray Hildebrand
1940 - 2023
Ray Hildebrand
1940 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1940
DIED
2023
Ray Hildebrand Obituary
Ray Hildebrand was a singer and songwriter better known as "Paul" in the 1960s pop duo Paul & Paula, who had a hit with "Hey Paula."
We invite you to share condolences for Ray Hildebrand in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
(Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)
18 Entries
Herschel Austin
May 6, 2025
Of what I know of Ray, is what I heard from my mom Belva Jean Crossland Austin. I wish I could have known him more. He seemed to have been a good man from what I read and heard about him.
SANDRALEE RAHN NORSQUIST
September 21, 2024
THE pAUL AND PAULA SONG. PAUL AND I WERE B ORN THE SAME YEAR...I 1940...DECEMBER...
Tony
January 12, 2024
My heartfelt condolences are offered to the family, many, many friends, and fans of Mr. Ray Hildebrand. Mr. Ray Hildebrand was a singer and songwriter better known as "Paul" in the 1960s pop duo Paul & Paula, who had a hit with "Hey Paula." May the love and many, many special memories you shared with your devoted loved one show how much your life was touched by him. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Mr. Ray Hildebrand. May his music and legacy keep his memory alive forever.
John Shirley
September 27, 2023
Ray and I go a long way back to Howard Payne College, we played handball in the gym and as a team we were hard to beat. Usually Ray, myself and our dorm wing representative would take steam baths in the group shower by turning on the hot water at each shower head...it drove our dorm manager crazy, because he would wake up the next morning and all the hot water was gone. I remember when Ray left the tour and came back to Brownwood, he and I were the only residents in the dorm that Summer. My wife and I went to a concert that was held in a Baptist church in Cleburne, TX about 5 or so years ago...that was a fun time for us and the last time we saw or spoke to Ray. He definitely made a difference for many! Ray and I were born just a week apart in November 1940.
John Shirley
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Ben Sr
September 26, 2023
My first memory of Ray was when I was in the Air Force. I visited a brother who couldn´t wait to play a song for me that he´d just bought. It was almost 0 degrees F, and since he didn´t have an 8 track player in the house, he warmed up the car so we could listen to it there! We both sat, bundled up in our parkas, and listened to "What´s that light in the eastern sky... it´s Jesus, He´s coming for me!". Little did I know that I would be moving to Kansas, to attend college and join a church where Ray also attended. Ray really hit it off with my dad, a former guitarist, and he would visit my dad so they could play music together. I have other fond memories of my brother Ray, but I´ll save those to share with him when we meet again, in Glory!
Carolyn Hribek Hermann
September 21, 2023
Ray and his wife Judy took me, Judy's sister and two other classmates to my first concert. We were high schoolers in the 60's and wild about Paul Revere and the Raiders.
It was the highlight of that school year for a small town girl.
He won my
Carolyn Hribek Hermann
Mr JR.
September 5, 2023
My condolences.
Lindsey Miller
August 31, 2023
Growing up at Nall Ave Baptist Church, I have many fond memories of Ray. He was funny and kind, and he was a great role model for young, aspiring musicians such as myself. He taught Sunday for our high school youth group, and I remember him teaching us a pneumonic device where we could remember the ten commandments in order. He was a blessing to many of us, and will be greatly missed.
Richard Roller
August 26, 2023
I am heartboken about Ray's passing. His music and testimony has always meant so much to me. God bless you and comfort you-to his family.
Lanny Mong
August 26, 2023
When our boys were young; a guy at Nall Ave. Baptist Church ( dave Freeland) organized a youth ski trip. Every Dec 25th at Midnight we parents would load our kids on a bus Dave rented to go to Monarch Ski resort for a three day ski trip. This went on for a number of years. Eventually Ray Hildebrand took over the youth fellowship. He bought this 72 passenger bus for trips. He asked me on day if I would paint the bus for him. He bought this silver paint, and took it to the Kansas Nebraska conference building at I-35 and 119 behind a truck stop. I was painting the bus, when a lady pulled the tarp curtain back I had installed to creat a paint booth. She said "we ladies are having a Bible study over on the other side of the building. And we can´t breath, because of the fumes!" I stopped and proceeded another day. Ray took the youth on many trips on that thing they named I believe the "Silver Goose". It broke down about every trip they took. Ray always had a "Heart of Gold"! He will be missed until we meet again!
Allyson Barnett-O´Neil
August 24, 2023
Sending our condolences! You will be greatly missed! We (Allyson, Ryan And Charis) always called you Uncle Ray and Aunt Judy. Thank you for being amazing family friends. Praying for Mike and Heidi and their families. God Bless
Allyson Barnett-O´Neil
Elizabeth Bell
August 23, 2023
R.I.P. Mr.Ray
Gary S. Trent
August 23, 2023
I met Ray in 1973 after a Concert he brought at the School Of The Ozarks which I was attending as a Music Student. He invited us to meet him after the concert in the green room and after waiting a bit I told him how much I enjoyed the songs and the Testimony. I shared that I had written a few songs and he surprised me by handing me his Guild guitar and asking me to play one for him. I chose 'He Arose, He Is Risen' and he was so encouraging- I will never forget those few moments with him. He was such a blessing. A year or so later I saw him on a TV Show' The Big Blue Marble' and he sang Paul and Paula and then shared his testimony. I still have that audio recording on cassette. A few years ago I wrote him a letter but it was returned. Ray was a special servant of the Lord and I look forward to seeing and hearing him in the Presence. Thank You Ray. Thank You Lord for Ray.
Mike Barnett
August 22, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Ray and Judy were such good friends and neighbors. Know that Judy and I really enjoyed our time together.
Steve Jackson
August 22, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Ray`s passing. My wife, Ginny and I along with my parents and their church in Kansas City were very familiar with Ray Hildebrand. Our deepest condolences to his family, his very sweet spirit. he was a true musician, and preacher. I recall we were talking about Prison Ministries one time with him. He was certainly a very terrific person and loved everyone. Just as his music says.
You will be deeply missed Ray. God bless you and your family. Steve and Ginny, Jackson, son of and Ann and George Jackson
Judy Barnett
August 22, 2023
Multiple memories have gone down the highway lane of life when I think of our times living next-door to Ray and Judy. My kids called you, uncle Ray and we adored your effervescent spirit and love for us and our God. Blessings and prayers to Heidi and Mike and their families. Love you but we´ll see you again!
Del C. Kesler
August 22, 2023
I am deeply saddened by your passing, Ray. I had waited for you and Paula to come to a town to do a tour and you did. I was the first fan to your table and I was in heaven seeing you both. I loved you music then, and I love it now. Thank you for the 50 years of "unconditional" love . I love you Paul and Paula!
Lee Wilson
August 21, 2023
I will never forget my dear friend Ray. It was always a time of fun, stories and fellowship when we were together
back on the Howard Payne campus through
the years. Heidi and Mike know that our prayers are with you during these days and beyond. May God give both of you his perfect peace.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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