Ray Herring

Ray Herring, 85, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013 in Fort Worth. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Ray was born April 2, 1928 in El Dorado, Arkansas, the only child to the late Norman and Hattie Irene (Poole) Herring. He graduated from Bryson High School and went to Tarleton Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Ray completed his education at North Texas State University with an accounting degree. He married Doris Edwards December 29, 1950 in Bryson. She preceded him in death September 26, 1998. Ray was president of E & H Drilling and has been active in every aspect in the Graham community since moving here in 1953 from Burkburnett. He has been on the city council, served as mayor of Graham, and served on nearly every city committee during his tenure. He has been an active member of Lions Club, serving in all the elected positions. He received the Monarch Chevron award and served as the Lions Club song leader. He was instrumental in the construction of the new track for the P.K. Relays; one of the oldest running track meets in the state. He started in 1953 as a timer and became its director four years later. He was also active in the Goodfellows Project every Christmas season and the best cotton candy maker in the state of Texas.

Ray was also a member of the Quarterback Club, serving as president for three years. The club is now known as The Graham Athletic Booster Club, where he purchased over 200,000 miniature souvenir footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, baseballs, and softballs over the years. He was honored in 2000 as the GHS Booster of the Century. He has always had a special place in his heart for the young people of Graham, whether it be in the community, school, or church. He served as the director for the First Baptist Church Youth for 25 plus years. He also served as the music director when the church was without a music leader or the music leader was on vacation or ill. He was an active deacon in First Baptist Church and serves on numerous committees. He sings in the groups "New Ground" and "Dickens Carolers" and was a very active member of the First Baptist Church Choir. He was the department director for Adult II Sunday School. Other activities he has been involved in include: member of AQHA, Red Coats Ambassadors, Hospital Board member, G.I.A. member, Graham Area United Way budget chairman for 7 years, Chamber of Commerce member and officer, First National Bank Board of Directors from 1972 - 2000, and a member of numerous oil and gas associations. He received the 1994 Melvin Jones Fellows Award and the 2001 Citizen of the Year Award. He had a passion for horses and watching HIS HORSES race was his ultimate pastime.

Ray has been a community leader, civic leader and a leader in his faith as a Christian husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was kind and compassionate and always knew the right thing to say to anyone in any situation. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments in his life.

Survivors include: daughter, Debbie Robertson and husband, Ronnie of Graham; grandchildren, Ryan Robertson of Graham and Heather Mayes and husband, Greg of Graham; great grandchildren, Breann and Braylee Mayes, Makenzie, Alyssa, and Caitlyn Robertson.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Graham Athletic Booster Club, or the charity of your choice.

Family visitation will be held Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.