Donald Ray Anderson

Donald Ray Anderson, 84, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, in Waco, Texas, holding his daughter’s hand. A devoted husband, father, Papa, uncle, friend, and the beloved "Mr. A," he leaves a legacy of love and kindness. As he entered eternal rest, we are certain he heard the words, "Well done, my faithful servant."

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Crawford High School Gymnasium. Attendees are encouraged to wear Crawford Pirate apparel or black and gold. Reverends Ben Faus and David Thompson will co-officiate, with interment to follow at McGregor Cemetery.

Ray was born on December 24, 1939, to Clem and Mae Anderson, and he lived in McGregor, Texas, until 2007 when he and his beloved wife, Joan, built a home in Crawford to be near their daughter and grandsons. A proud member of the McGregor High School class of 1959, he embraced life with a spirit of joy and service.

Ray found his soulmate in Sharon Joan Culp, marrying her on February 10, 1961. Together, they welcomed a “Gift from God” with the adoption of their daughter, Angela Kay, in October 1965.

Throughout his life, Ray held various positions, beginning as a teenager at the McGregor Ice House. He served in the Army and Texas National Guard before working as a butcher at Brown’s Grocery Store, a machinist at General Dynamics and Rocketdyne, and retiring after 37 years with TU Electric as Senior Lead Dispatcher. However, his greatest joy came from 20+ years as a substitute teacher at Crawford ISD, affectionately known as "Mr. A." He touched countless lives, always supporting his students at every event. He considered each young person as “his kid.”

Ray was deeply committed to his faith, having been a devoted member and deacon at College Avenue Baptist Church in McGregor and later First Baptist Church Crawford, where he was honored and recognized as Deacon Emeritus in August 2024. He lived his life as a true disciple of Jesus, sharing his faith with everyone he met.

Papa took immense pride and joy in his grandsons, Travis and Tye. He treasured every moment spent with them, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting their endeavors, traveling countless miles to be there whenever they needed him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, two infant daughters, Lory DeAnn and Carol Jo, brother Floyd Anderson, and sisters Wynell Anderson and Jo Ann Mays.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Angie, and her husband Jeff, whom he loved like a son; grandsons Travis and his friend Tanya Willingham, and Tye Slaughter and his friend Maria Marquez; a sister-in-law, Dovie Luedeker and her husband Marvin; a niece, three nephews, and many extended family members. He also leaves behind his dear friend Kenneth Cash, with whom he shared a brotherly bond.

Pallbearers will be Buddy Mays, Ben Anderson, Brent Elmore, Teddy Johnson, Art Hunter, and James Burson. Honorary pallbearers include Richard Rivas, Kenneth Cash, Frankie Emmons, the Crawford Pirate Coaching Staff, his FBC Crawford Men’s Sunday School Class, and all past and present Crawford Pirates.

Ray often said, “Most people don’t get to see their flowers when they die, but being around these Crawford kids, I get to see mine every day, so no one needs to send any to my service.”

In memory of Ray, the family has established “The Mr. A. Crawford Pirate Servant’s Heart Memorial Scholarship.” Donations can be made to Crawford ISD, 200 Pirate Drive, Crawford, TX 76638, with "Mr. A" noted in the tag line.