Roll Call Tribute

Sammy J. Ray 

December 21, 1944 - December 15, 2024 

On December 15, 2024, Sammy J. Ray rose to his heavenly father just days before his 80th birthday.

Born in San Angelo, Texas to James and Rachel Ray, he faced early adversity when he lost his father to tuberculosis at age 10. His resilient mother raised him and his older brother, Jimmy, as a single parent.

A natural athlete, he distinguished himself in golf, basketball, baseball and football during his youth. His athletic abilities earned him a football scholarship with honors to Texas A&M University, though a back injury during his freshman year cut short his football aspirations. He persevered, completing his education at Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

In 1988, Fort Worth became home as he embarked on a new chapter as President of Transportation at William Rigg. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish and successfully grow his own insurance company. Later, his career evolved into working as a landman, where he contributed his expertise to numerous oil and gas companies across multiple states.

At Mira Vista Country Club, he found joy in countless rounds of golf with family and friends. His passion for sports extended to coaching his sons in baseball and golf, while he proudly championed his daughter, Rachel, in all her endeavors. His love for entertaining manifested in legendary cooking and barbecuing sessions, where his home became a gathering place for memorable family dinners.

Sammy's life was enriched by two marriages. His first, to Susan Sullivan, who blessed him with two sons, Jeff and Chris. Sammy's oldest son, Jeff and wife, Clarissa Ray, and their three children, Jackson, Bralen and Bennett. Chris and his wife, Linda Ray, and their two daughters, Morgan and Addi. In 1978, love led him to Kansas City where he married Debbie Caulfield, beginning a 46-year journey together that brought them four children: Rachel, and her three children, Slade, Chauna and Chloe, Matthew and wife, Brooke Ray, and their three children, Tenley, Whitten and Taylen, Jordan and wife, Nikki, and their two children, Colt and Bryson, Hunter and his wife, Kalyn Ray, and their three children, Giuliana, Tatum and Tymber.

Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, and brother.

Sammy's legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 46 years; his children; and 16 grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving father, devoted friend and caring husband who enriched the lives of all who knew him.

GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME