Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle on July 23, 2017

Raymond Terrell(1921 - 2017)
Raymond Terrell
1921-2017
Raymond Terrell, 96, passed away on Tuesday, the 11th of July 2017. He was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on June 23, 1921 to the late Francis H. and Elizabeth Terrell. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Crystal H. Terrell, sister Frances Elizabeth Bogle, and his brothers, Thomas Henry, Frank Watson, and Kenneth Vaughan Terrell. He is survived by his son, Craig Terrell and wife Reene of El Campo and their two sons, Jeffrey and Jason; his daughter Tracey Terrell and her children, Layne and Jackson Piper; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray grew up in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. He attended A&M University where he was an honor student and regimental commander of field artillery his senior year. Upon graduating, Ray joined the Army as First Lieutenant with the 10th Mountain Division's 616th field artillery battalion. During his training, he met Crystal at a USO dance in Austin. They were married one month later on November 19, 1944. Shortly after their marriage, he was shipped overseas to Italy. While in Italy, Ray was awarded the Bronze Star and Silver Star for heroic achievement on the fifth Army front.
After his discharge, Ray and Crystal moved to Houston where they lived for the remainder of their lives together. Ray was employed by Arthur Andersen & Co. and in time became their first Administrative Partner. He was in charge of personnel and, more importantly, of recruiting new college graduates to ensure the standard of excellent accounting service in the Houston office. He was routinely successful in attracting and hiring top college graduates for employment at Arthur Andersen. Ray retired from Arthur Andersen in 1979 after 25 years and a highly successful career.
Known for his quick wit and charm, he was often called back to fulfill the role of emcee for company anniversary and retirement celebrations. He then was named Executive Director for the Center for the Retarded (now known as The Center). Ray spent the next three years raising money for an endowment for the Center, securing their continued success.
Upon his "second retirement", he was able to spend more time playing golf and fishing, which he loved. Ray and Chris spent many years playing golf at Pine Forest. He was a devoted member of St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, dedicating his time and service to his church family. He was instrumental in raising the funds to build the sanctuary at St. Matthews. Both he and Crystal sang in the choir well into their 80's.
There will be a Memorial Service at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew's United Methodist Church. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to his primary caregivers, Sheila, Felisha, Danon and Mary Batts.



Funeral Home
Woodlawn Funeral Home
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