Thomas Paul "Tom" Ray

1955 - 2025

Thomas (Tom) Paul Ray, 70, went to be with his Lord, Friday, Nov. 7th, 2025.

Tom was the youngest of three children born to Laurance and Patricia Ray on June 2, 1955, in Denver, CO. Tom grew up in San Antonio, TX, and later graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor's in Business Marketing. It was during his time at SWT that he fully surrendered his life to Jesus and enrolled at Hill Country

Bible School. He attended Hill Country Church in San Marcos, TX, where, in 1980, he was asked to help a small church plant in Telluride, CO.

He briefly returned to Texas to marry the love of his life, Cathy (Devereaux) Ray, on Oct. 10, 1981, and together they pastored Telluride Christian Fellowship for the next 17 years. They welcomed and raised four children (Joel, Chris, Aimee and Micah) during their time in Telluride. Tom quickly developed a reputation around Telluride as a loving and present father (coaching and helping with all the kids' sports and activities); a deeply loyal friend and pastor; and a respected community leader who loved the people of Telluride with all his heart.

In 1998, Tom followed the Lord by faith and moved his family back to San Marcos, where he took over the pastorate at Hill Country Church. It was here that the family welcomed their 5th addition, Natalia, a student from Ukraine. What started as a simple high school student exchange blossomed into one of the most beautiful and amazing

stories of God's adoptive heart of love. With their family now complete, Tom and Cathy settled into the privilege of loving the people of Hill Country Church and, by extension, San Marcos.

Tom's humility and genuine love for people were woven into every fiber of his life. He could be found nearly every Saturday evening for almost 40 years, praying late into the night, praising...singing...and interceding for the people and families in San Marcos and Telluride. He loved visiting and praying together with many of the local pastors in the San Marcos community, and this love is evidenced even today by dozens of local pastors still meeting together in a growing network of connection groups. This heart for connection also led to many "city-wide" gatherings where Tom loved coordinating a way for each local church to have a part in the service. He truly delighted in seeing the Body of Christ come together in unity.

Tom was a gifted teacher who loved God's Word, delighted in worship and the presence of

the Holy Spirit, and valued imparting faith to the next generation. In 2012, Tom transitioned from Pastor at Hill Country to Administrator of Hill Country Christian School.

One of his greatest joys during this time was teaching the Senior-level "World View" class, which he would continue to teach even through his battle with cancer.

Tom will be remembered by his children as their hero-A dad who faithfully emulated the heart of Jesus in everything he did. He was quick to listen, slow to become angry, and filled with wisdom encompassed by humility. Rarely speaking a harsh or negative word, he championed each of his children and rarely missed an opportunity to speak encouragement and purpose over them. As a husband, he will be remembered as faithful to the very end...gentle and kind; truly devoted to his wife above all things. He was steady through every storm, a compass that always pointed the way back to Jesus.

As a pastor and friend, he will be remembered as one who loved deeply from his heart, taking a genuine interest in others and considering them above himself.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Laurance and Patricia Ray. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Ray; his brother and sister, Jimmy Ray and Janie (Ray) Gilbreath; all of his children and 18 grandchildren.

Please make plans to join us for "A celebration of his life," which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6th, from 2-4 pm at Hill Country Church in San Marcos, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Mission International, PO Box 1189 Del Rio, TX 77841. June 2, 1955 - November 7, 2025