With great sadness, we announce the passing of Bill Ray on May 1, 2020. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend to all whose lives he touched.
Born on November 17, 1952 in Galveston, Texas, he passed away at age 67 at his home in Liberty, Texas.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Ray; survived by his mother, Nancy Ray; sisters, Cherie Ray and husband Ruel Smith, Cyndie and husband Craig Abshire, and Debbye Friar; Nieces and Nephews, Adam and Nathalie Friar (Kaden), Christie and Matt Butcher (Gracie, Grant and Griffin), Amber and Trey Davis (Dylan); Anson Friar, and Casey Paul Abshire.
A quiet and helpful man with a compassionate heart and generous spirit. Bill was a constant and loving support to his family and friends.
He was the owner of Snappy’s Grocery on Main Street (a local Liberty institution). In 2018 he retired from Bennett Motor Express, Houston, Texas.
Until his health condition made it challenging, Bill was an avid reader and nature lover. He mastered everything he put his attention on like cooking, hunting, golf, and fishing. This frequently showed up when he would spend hours practicing a solo four-hand-mock 42 tournament to sharpen his skills for the next tournament with lifelong friends. Bill was well-known as a man of few words, unique facial expressions, and random singing sounds. He truly flew under the radar, by choice.
So many sweet memories of him. Such a kind and gentle spirit.
“No service, frills, and ashes spread in the wind… so Bill.”
“Just always a joy to be around, regardless of what we were doing for the last 50-plus years.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty County Child Welfare Board, P. O. Box 857, Liberty, Texas 77575. An online tribute wall is available at AllisonFuneralService.com. (photo credit: Brent Huggins)
I am so sorry for your loss~ my sympathy to your family
Such a great guy. We gathered at Snappys many years before work. Bill slowed us to gather there and visit and gossip Also a lot of bosimess wasdome there. Again a great and funnam
This great guy was “that guy” I looked up to when I was a teen. He was Snappy’s. He was so nice. What a testament to his family!
Sending our deepest condolences to your family. Your description of Bill in the obituary was on point. Bill was my neighbor for a number of years & he was a very humble gentle man always had a smile or a wave as we drove by. Steve & I will always remember him.
So sorry! Praying for this sweet family!
Cyndie and family I am so sorry for the loss of your brother,Son, and uncle. I will keep you in my prayers.God Bless your family.
Bill was an amazing boss and wonderful to work for. His gentle soft spoken voice will be in my memories for years to come. Prays winging your way.
Prayers for the family. Bill was on our deer lease for forty years or more. Sometimes he would come by our camp and visit and eat with us. He was a good man and my Dad and I thought a lot of him. We will miss him, his quiet ways, and independent spirit. He lived the woods of Adams Hunting Club and knew every inch of it. Bill and Edward Holder.
Thank you all for the kind words about Bill. He was definitely one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
Sending prayers to the family my brother buddy Whitmire work for him for years at snappys bill was a wonderful man
B Boy, as he was called in our childhood…and I never called him anything else all these years! Sweet guy that he was, he never acted like it bothered him. He knew I said it with endearment.
I’m sorry for the family’s loss of such a quiet, kind man.