Ernest Arthur Ray, 72, of Vidor, died Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Oakwood Manor Nursing Home.
A native of Washington, Indiana and a thirty-two year resident of Vidor, Ernest was owner and operator of R&R Brush and Weed in Vidor. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council, number 5789 and also served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean Conflict and was a Purple Heart recipient.
Survivors include his sons, David Rivera and his wife Irma of Mauriceville, Reggie Rivera and his wife Lynne of Lumberton, Alex Rivera of Port Neches, and Thomas Ray and Michael Ray, both of Alexander, Louisiana; daughter, Vicki Castillo Rivera of Beaumont; sisters, Barbara Wininger and her husband Robert, Ellen Bacon and her husband John, Donna McKinney and her husband Walt and Phyllis Ochs and her husband Don; nineteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Reverend Paul Sumler officiating, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. A gathering of his friends and family will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the mortuary.
