Raymond Shaw

Raymond "Ray" Larry Shaw; Beloved Husband, Father, Grampy, and Lifelong Longhorn

Raymond "Ray" Shaw, known to friends and colleagues simply as Shaw, and to his grandkids and great-grandkids as the beloved Grampy, has passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. He was 87 years old, and so full of stories, laughter, and the kind of wisdom you only get after living a really good life.

Ray was born in Longview, Texas on November 7th, 1937 to parents Otto Shaw and Mattie Dooley. He went to Longview High, and he proudly worked as a lifeguard at the Longview City Pool, a detail he never failed to mention when reminiscing about his youth (and also his suntan). After graduating from Longview High School, he attended Kilgore College, and later earned his Pharmacy degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a proud Longhorn until the very end, and if you knew Ray, you knew that burnt orange ran in his veins. He never missed a game in the UT stadium for 60 years. He wore his UT shirts, caps, and jackets, all around the world, like a badge of honor, and he never said goodbye without throwing you a Hook 'Em Horns .

In the early years of his marriage to his lifelong sweetheart (whom he fell in love with at first sight), Jayree, Ray followed his heart and his calling to serve others, eventually settling with her in Abilene, Texas in the early 1960s. That's where they built a home, raised a family, and planted roots that would grow into a lifetime of community, and connection.

Ray worked as a community pharmacist in Abilene for over 50 years, and he made people feel cared for, which is no small legacy.

He and Jayree were long time members of First Baptist Church of Abilene, where they found not just a congregation, but a family.

If you ever met Ray, you probably laughed. He was funny, warm, and effortlessly charming. He loved Whataburger, Mr. Burger, and pizza, and he never passed up a good conversation or missed an opportunity for a funny joke. At family Christmas gatherings, he was famous for throwing wads of wrapping paper across the room, and pouring the entire family a shot of Old Grandad! He could tell stories for hours, sometimes looping back to ones you'd already heard a dozen times, but you'd still listen, because he told them with that twinkle in his eye.

Ray and Jayree's adventures didn't stop in Texas. They visited 5 wonders of the world together and cruised as much as possible, and met many friends along the journey.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Jayree, his children Mike Shaw (Stacy) and Laura Shaw Click (Tony), and his grandchildren Ben Shaw (Krista), Anna Kucinkas (Gene), Kevin Click (Ryan), Kyle Click (Bethany), Ella, Lawson, Trep, Izzy, Miggs, and Olly. He was the proud great-grandfather of Juniper, Sutton, and a baby girl on the way. A new generation who will grow up hearing all about their Grampy and his big heart.

Ray Shaw's legacy is one of kindness, humor, and devotion to his wife, his family, his work, his faith, and, of course, to the Texas Longhorns. He was the kind of man who left things better than he found them.

Hook 'em, Grampy. You'll be missed beyond words, but your love and stories will live on in all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home's Family Center, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Interment will be at Elmwood Memorial Park.