Raymond Boltz

Doward Raymond Boltz was born in Kensett, Arkansas on July 8, 1924, the second son born to Samuel Thomas and Ollie Driggars Boltz. He was raised on a farm and inherited his life-long interest in gardening from his mother. Ray enlisted in the Army in 1944 and served in the European theater. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and was very proud of the Bronze stars that he was awarded for his service. After his service, he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin. Ray married Betty Jo Alexander on June 9, 1956. They had been married for 53 years when Betty died in 2010. Ray never stopped missing her and longed to be reunited with her in Heaven. Ray worked as an inventory manager in the oil field supply division of Bethlehem Steel for over thirty years. He retired from Bethlehem on a Friday, then drove from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Longview, Texas over the weekend to begin employment with J-W Operating the following Monday. He worked for J-W for another ten years before fully retiring. Ray and Betty moved to Cedar Park in 1999 to be closer to their daughter and her family. Ray died peacefully in his home on February 7, 2012. He was 87 years old. Ray is survived by his son David Boltz, his daughter Karen Drabek and her husband Dave, his brother Sam Boltz, his sister-in-law Doris Cauble and her husband Keeven, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Wrench Funeral Home and Cremations.