Thomas Ray Martin was born to Reuben and Mary Martin at about 6:00 p.m., December 7, 1938, at home in Loeb, Texas, in a small house next door to the very house that would be his home for his final years. Ray had two older brothers, Truman and Harold.
While Ray was always quick with a joke and a smile, he was no stranger to adversity. At the age of about 5 or 6, Ray developed severe Polio. The doctors told his parents he would probably not live past his teens. Although he had lifelong complications, he far outlived that prediction and lived an incredibly full and fruitful life.
After high school, Ray worked for his father’s oilfield contracting business. His popularity seemed to get an instant boost when he was able to afford a new red & white ’57 Chevy convertible. His brother lived in Corpus Christi, with his wife, Glenna and one morning their phone rang to Ray notifying them he and Donna Holland were in town on their way to Mexico where they were planning to be married. Harold tried to talk him out of going to Mexico, but he was a Martin and if his mind was made up, there was no changing it.
His marriage to Donna resulted in a family of three children whom he loved with all his heart. The oldest, Randy, is now Assistant Police Chief at Lamar University in Beaumont. Laurie was the middle child and holds a master’s degree in Accounting. Jeff was the youngest, and is now a Doctor of Psychology in the U.S. Air Force. Ray remarried to Debbie Lowe and is a stepfather to Jeremy, Jason, and Gina Lowe. He always loved children and did his best to spoil all nine of his grandchildren (Brandi, Michelle, Ryan, Annabelle, Josh, Trenton, Zoe, Zane, and Reichen).
Ray was literally a lifelong resident of Hardin County across his 73 years. While he may not have traveled far from home, he helped shape his community and had substantial impact on every area and person he came across. Ray was one of the founding members of the Loeb Fire Department, served as the first postmaster of Lumberton, and even drove the local school bus for a time. In the mid 1960’s Ray entered Hardin County politics, winning the race for Justice of the Peace in Lumberton, Texas. After serving in this capacity for over a decade he entered, and won, the race for Hardin County Judge; beating an incumbent who held the seat for some 20 years. After serving one term, he left politics and entered into the private business sector which he has continued until his death.
Beyond his community contributions, Ray was a relentless entrepreneur that launched several business ventures. He ran a dump truck service, owned a service station, and always seemed to be selling something… land, rabbits, catfish, produce, concessions, fireworks, to name a few. Across the last three decades of his life Ray owned and managed several area honky-tonks: Judge’s, King Arthur’s Pub, and the infamous Squeeze’s.
Regardless of the business endeavor or setting, Ray’s genuine and kind nature seemed to leave an indelible mark on those around him. His tendency to withhold judgment, lend a hand to those down on their luck, and propensity to adopt those in need, led to an entire community of lifelong friends and loved ones that affectionately referred to him as: Uncle Ray, Paw-Paw Ray, and Judge.
Ray leaves a loving family, many friends, and an example of what determination and optimism can do for you, no matter your physical condition or circumstance. The rest of his body adapted to the strength of his heart. That strength will be remembered and his love will be treasured.
A gathering of Mr. Martin’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 16, 2012, at Broussards, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee, with a fireworks display after visitation. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Parkway Life Church, Village Creek Parkway at Mitchell Road, Lumberton, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ray’s memory to Lumberton Volunteer Fire Department, 228 Country Lane Drive, Lumberton, Texas 77657.
