Ray Mcwilliams

Ray Laverne McWilliams, 89, of Medina, passed away on Thursday, April 13th in Kerrville, Texas. Laverne was born in Hope, Arkansas to Hubert Ray and Bessie Mae McWilliams on June 7, 1933. He married Clara Ann Sentesi on September 16, 1955, in Westfield, Texas.

Laverne learned early of his affinity for working with animals and spent much of his life in the registered Angus and Brangus cattle business where he gained a reputation for breeding and exhibiting numerous champions over the years. Always an "outdoors" guy, Laverne enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as (after retirement at 79) taking care of his and Clara Ann's "yard." His grandkids and great grandkids were the ultimate source of pride and happiness for Grandpa/Peepaw.

We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather, great­grandfather, and friend. Although he is no longer with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his family, friends, and acquaintances. We will miss him dearly.

Laverne is preceded in death by his parents, Ray, and Bessie, along with his brother, Donald. Laverne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Clara Ann; children, Marshall and wife Sandra of Medina, Texas; Debbie Fry and husband Ty of Fenton, Michigan; sister-in-law Eleanor McWilliams of Hunstville, Texas; grandchildren (and great grandchildren) Dusty Skinner and husband Robert (Dylan, Caleb and Jadyn Catherine) of Pipe Creek, Texas; Brandon McWilliams of Kansas City, Missouri; Matthew McWilliams and Sandy (Emmalyn) of Medina, Texas; Vanessa McWilliams and husband Josh (Parker and Addison) of Fredericksburg, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19th, funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Medina Community Church with Pastor Bill Stegemueller officiating. Burial will be at Oak Rest Cemetery in Medina.

Pallbearers are Aaron Theiss, Don McWilliams, James Cravatt, Josh Cobb, Matthew McWilliams, Parker Ray McWilliams, Steve Cody, and Ty Fry. Honorary Pallbearers are Craig Green, Gary Cross, Glenn L Brinkman, Kent Smith, Paul Philley, Terry Reagan, and Tracy Holbert.

The Family asks that Memorials be given to The Blessing Fund, 250 Cully Drive, Kerrville, Texas 78028.

Laverne's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. James Young, Nurse Debbie Foster, the entire staff at Peterson Hospice and all the good folks at Hilltop Village for taking such good care of "Daddy."

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body... but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "Holy Cow...What a Ride!"

Vaya con dios, mi amigo!

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.