Ray

ROUND ROCK—William “Joe” Ray, 68, of Round Rock died Feb. 3, 2018.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 8, at First Baptist Church in Round Rock. A graveside service was held later Thursday at Hutto Cemetery in Hutto.

Mr. Ray was born Aug. 10, 1949, to William John Ray and Verma Evelyn Robinson in Oklahoma City.

He attended Oklahoma University but graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Mr. Ray joined the U.S. Army 145th National Guard Band, where he served for seven years.

He met Mary Levan in college when she marched his spot during halftime shows and they were married on July 18, 1972.

Mr. Ray began teaching instrumental music that fall in the Putnam City School District. He taught concert bands, marching bands and jazz bands for the next 17 years. He had many award-winning bands, including performing State Honor Bands, International Jazz Bands and many superior bands.

In 1989, he took his wife and three children and crossed the border to Texas.

Mr. Ray taught 20 years in Texas including: Rockdale ISD, Lubbock ISD, Crockett ISD, LaVega ISD (Waco) and C.E. King ISD (Houston).

He retired and moved his wife to Round Rock to be a roadman for Hillje Music Co. After five years, he retired to the golf course, traveling vacations and helping the historian for the Singing Women of Central Texas.

Survivors are his wife, Mary Ray; his children and grandchildren, Robyn Lynne Stokes and Robert John Stokes of Katy, Bryan Joseph Ray, Heather Ann Ray, Hunter Nicholas Ray, Brayden Christian Ray, Axle Joseph Ray and Jonathan Scott Ray of Round Rock; a sister-in-law, Lenita Bourland of Moore; Oklahoma; The Heiligers and Walkers of Oklahoma; and many band directors, band students and friends.

Pallbearers were Bill Butler, Scott Cole, Bryan Ray, Scott Ray, Dee Spencer and Calvin Zwernemann.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert John Stokes, Hunter Nicholas Ray, Brayden Christian Ray and Axel Joseph Ray.

Memorials may be made to Singing Women of Central Texas or First Baptist Church of Round Rock.