Raymond Fletcher

Surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren, Raymond Fletcher passed away peacefully at his home March 31, 2014, after a courageous four year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Woodway First United Methodist Church with Dawn Gilliland, Diaconal Minister officiating. Burial will follow at Stanford Chapel Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Drive.

Ray was born June 15, 1935 to Roy and Robea Fletcher near Palestine. He graduated from Slocum high school before accepting a basketball scholarship to Lon Morris College where he would meet his future wife, Nelda. After playing for Lon Morris, he accepted a basketball scholarship to Sam Houston State in Huntsville where he and Nelda would marry in 1958. After graduation, he taught briefly in public schools before returning to Huntsville to work as the athletic director for the Texas Department of Corrections while working on his Masters Degree. After completing his Master’s degree, he accepted a position in 1965 as Director of Intramurals at Texas A&M where he began working on his doctorate degree. After completion of his doctorate, he accepted a similar position at Lamar University in 1971 where he remained until 1980 when he retired from education to pursue business interests in Waco. Always the entrepreneur, he built a successful Firestone business along with other ventures and investments. Ultimately he retired to focus on his golf game and work with his brother in building Texas National Bank in Jacksonville, Texas where he sat on the board. He loved the outdoors, hunting in Colorado, offshore fishing, working on his farm, golf, woodworking and the Texas Aggies, but nothing more than spending time with his family. He was a long time member of Woodway First United Methodist Church and he loved his church family. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren, spending hours around the kitchen table sharing stories, laughter and happiness. He greatly enjoyed playing golf with his buddies at Bear Ridge and talked often of their cross country golf trips.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Robea; and sisters, Judy Gruchner and Mary Ann Hunnicutt.
He is proudest of his family that he leaves behind, Nelda, his wife of 56 years; son, Jeff and wife, Marcie of Quitman; daughter, Shannon and husband, Dr. Donny Stewart of Lorena; and son, John and wife, Marian of Huntsville. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan and Luke Stewart of Lorena, Taylor Anderson and husband, Aaron of Dallas and Jake and Bryson Fletcher of Dallas; one great granddaughter, Bristol Faith Anderson. He is also survived by brothers and sisters, Ben Fletcher of Lindale, Royce Fletcher, Joe Fletcher and Kathy Fletcher all of Jacksonville and Jean Thomas of Orange.
In lieu of floral arrangements, memorials can be directed to Woodway First United Methodist Church or to Providence Hospice.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Carl Chakmakjian, Dr. Tom Eastwood and Dr. Keith Horner for the wonderful care they provided our Dad.