December 15, 1918 ~ April 29, 2011
Funeral services for Ray A. Vestal, 92, of Hughes Springs, will be at 2 P.M. Tuesday, May 3, at First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs with the Rev. Tommy Estes officiating. Burial with military honors, conducted by the Arden Hanes post of American Legion, will follow at Hughes Springs Cemetery. Mr. Vestal will lie in state Monday afternoon until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Family visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon at First Baptist Church. Mr. Vestal died Friday, April 29, in Jefferson. He was born December 15, 1918 in Hughes Springs. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs, and was a member of the Hughes Springs Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. After high school he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps, and later served in the U.S. Army during World War II, landing with the 2nd wave during the Normandy Invasion. He retired from Lone Star Steel Company. He loved fishing and the outdoors. Mr. Vestal is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Meriam Elaine and Harold Blair of Jefferson; one son and daughter-in-law Kenneth Ray and Sandra Vestal of Rockport; one granddaughter Tiffany and Deron Evers of Houston; two great grandchildren Jillian and Avonlea Evers of Houston; two step grandsons Eric Blair of Austin and Darren Blair of Montgomery; two sisters Betty Tidwell of Daingerfield and Juanelle Ferguson of Ore City; two sisters-in-law Bernice Vestal of Hughes Springs and Willie Lee May McKelvey of Mount Pleasant; and treasured nieces and nephews. Condolences may be left at www.reeder-davis.com
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So sorry and pray God gives you strength for the days ahead. I have many fond memories of both of your parents.
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, Mr Ray. He was a wonderful Christian man. The angels are rejoicing. I will be praying that God will wrap HIS loving arms around you and bring comfort in your grief.
To the family of Ray Vestal, I send my deepest condolonces. While growing up at FBC Hughes Springs I got to know Mr. Vestal. I spoke with him briefly on many Sunday mornings and even when I returned from college he always made a point to greet me and find out how things were going. Just a simple act of kindness that left an impression on me. 1 Peter 5:10
My thoughts and prayers go to the family. He was a great man and will be missed.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Both your parents were so special to me. May the love that held you close, continue to bring you strength and comfort.Remembering your Dad, and sharing in your sorrow – Brinda
My heart and prayers are with you today. He was, as well as your Mother, so special to me all of my life. Love you all. Kathy
Our love & prayers are with you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. He was a remarkable man and someone daddy loved. May God be with you during this time of loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kenneth & family, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers death. I will be thinking of you and your family and praying for peace for each of you in the days to come.Sincerely,Diane Abernathy Caldwell
Stay strong in the Lord, for He knows best! My prayers are with you and your family in this dark hour.
We were sorry to hear about Mr. Ray. He and Mrs. Lillie Bell were always one of our favorite couples. Where you saw one you saw the other. They were wonderful people and they will be surely missed in the community. God Bless them both. They are reunited in God's kingdom forever.
Just a note to let you know I am thinking about you and if I can do anything let me know. I have many fond memories of your Dad and Mom and especially the slumber parties at your house….Love you….
My prayers are with each of you. Your Dad will be missed by many.Hazel
The times I heard Mr. Ray speak, his words were few, wise, and well-chosen. Having survived WWII, I consider him an American hero. Thank you for your service to America.
Juanelle, So sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.