Ray Boyd

Long time Pasadena resident Ray Russ Boyd, 91, passed away Friday, October 6, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Corsicana, Texas, December 12, 1925, to Russ and Mildred Davis Boyd. After graduating Gaston High School, Ray married his grade school sweetheart, Ruth Vivian Freeman and joined the Navy where he served as an airplane mechanic aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in World War II.

Following a 38-year career at Shell Refinery in Deer Park, Ray retired in 1984, and he and Ruth enjoyed traveling in their RV. He loved hunting, fishing, traveling, and morning coffee with good friends. He could be found many early mornings cooking sausage for his buddies - Ray loved to feed people. He was a deeply loyal friend with a quick sense of humor.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife of over 66 years, Ruth V. Boyd; his sister, Birtie Burke; his brother, Van Robert Boyd; his son-in-law, W. A. Cowan, Jr.; his great granddaughter, Jessika Westbrook and his second wife Virginia.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Cowan and her companion Joseph Cocca; his brother Frank Boyd and wife, Evelyn; grandson Trey Cowan and wife, Sherri; granddaughter Kimberly Spriggs and husband, David; great grandchildren, Stephani Villaloboz and husband, Xavier; Kara Cowan; and Cade Cowan; numerous nieces and nephews; and close friends Scott Shafer and Charlie Brazil.

Private family graveside services will be officiated by Pastors Royce Measures and Brian Hellard. A Celebration of Ray's Life will be in the Fellowship Hall of Golden Acres Baptist Church where he had been a long-time member.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Golden Acres Baptist Church, 2812 Pansy, Pasadena, Texas, 77503.

Condolences may be sent to the Boyd family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfunerlhome.com