Bess S. Ray

bess ray

Bess Simpson Ray, passed away on April 2, 2018.  She was born October 11, 1916 to John D. and Kate Norwood Simpson in Nashville, Tennessee.  She had two brothers and one sister all of whom predeceased her. 

She married C.H. “Bill” Ray on November 2, 1940. They were together for 77 years before he passed away last October.  They were blessed with two sons, John H. (married to Wanda Kotch) of Bremond, Texas and Robert C. (married to Elizabeth Todaro) of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  There are four grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.  She had one niece, Chris Townley of Mentor, Ohio.

She moved from base to base during Bill's service in the Marine Corps.  She stayed busy serving over the years as President of the NCO Wives Club, and was employed by the Civil Service in Property and Accounting in Quantico, Va. and at Nellis AFB in Nevada.  At one time, while in Houston, she even worked for the Houston and New Orleans Railroad. 

She became a member of the Church of Christ early in life.  One of greatest pleasures was teaching the bible to very young children. After Bill’s retirement from the U.S. Marines she opened an antique shop in Longview, Tx. for many years.  During those years she became an accomplished porcelain artist, winning many awards; became a member of the “International Porcelain Art Teachers”; and taught Porcelain art for 27 years.  She served as President of several art clubs and as President of the Atlanta Art League of Texas.

She was a great lady, a caring wife and mother and enjoyed helping people.

Services for Ms. Ray will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2018 at Reeder-Davis Chapel. Burial will follow at Concord Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 Thursday evening at the funeral home. 

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Guestbook

  1. So sorry to learn of her passing, her husband Bill was one of my very favorite cousins. Because of a recent illness, I will not be able to attend her services, but my wife and I send our thoughts and prayers to all of her family.

  2. We wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family over the loss of such a tremendous lady. We thought the world of Bess. She was down to earth, kind and loving. We will remember her always. As we cherish two pieces of her art work displayed in our home.

  3. Thanks for the memories. Your kindness to me when I was growing up has always meant so much. You gave me a necklace with a silver dollar attached by a silver loop when I was in High School. I wore it with my sweaters and loved it. Your interest in ceramics and art inspired me. I inherited several things you made and gave to my mom, Marie (Ray) Rankin. I especially treasure the earthenware container with drawings of my mom’s childhood and wishing her a Happy Birthday. I will miss you. sw

  4. You were a wonderful friend and customer.You amazed me with your talent and loved your life stories of where all you and Mr.Bill lived r visited.Love and prayers to all your family.RIP ??

  5. Hess and I attendeded linden church of Christ together. She was a very sweet loving lady. She will be sorely missed


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