Roll Call Tribute

Roland Charles Ray

February 14, 2023

Roland Charles Ray, age 75, passed into Eternal Life on February 14, 2023 after a four-month battle with cancer. He was buried with military honors at Prescott National Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona.

Roland was a proud member of the Texas A&M University Class of 1969. He will be greatly missed by his comrades from Company G-1 of the A&M Corps of Cadets. His senior year he was president of the Sons of Service organization, comprised of the sons of Armed Forces personnel. Roland earned a degree in Architectural Construction.

Upon graduation Roland was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the engineer branch of the U.S. Army. He served on active duty from August 1969 to May 1973, including a tour in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

After leaving the military, Roland enjoyed a long professional career as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Roland’s passing is mourned by his loving family, including wife Marcia, stepdaughter Tammy Smith, and sister, Judith Ray. Marcia was also a civilian employee of the USACE.

After their retirements, Roland and Marcia continued an adventurous outdoor life, engaging in whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and traveling all over the western USA. With his Texas roots, Roland was particularly proud of taking his raft through the Lower Canyons in the heart of the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River downstream from Big Bend National Park. He and Marcia also served as volunteer workers in many parks, including several tours at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

It is very fitting that a stone is being engraved for Roland’s crypt; the stone will read: “Not All Who Wander Are Lost”. Marcia asks that when Roland’s Aggie buddies do any wandering, they think of Roland and her.