Ray Max Spears of Irving, Texas was born on September 15, 1925 in Ellis County. He passed away on April 27, 2016. He graduated from Midlothian High School in 1943 and then joined the United States Army, where he served as a Corporal during World War II. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for his contributions during his service. On August 11, 1947, Ray began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company working as a systems analyst until his retirement on December 30, 1983. Ray was a member of The First Baptist Church of Euless. In addition to his faith, his membership to the Masonic Lodge and The Independent Order of Oddfellows were very important to him. Ray was a 50+ year member of Waxahachie Masonic Lodge No. 90 Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry. His greatest legacy was his love for God and his family and lived his life as Jesus taught us. Ray was truly a good, kind, Christian man. During his life and in his final days, his great-grandchildren were a great source of joy that would always bring light to his eyes. Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret Spears; daughter, Sandra Rosellini and husband, Rocky; granddaughters, Angela Gambaro and husband, Scott, Amy Rosellini, and Abby Ingle and husband, Mark; great-grandchildren, Gage, Gigi and Greta Gambaro and Harry and Rocky Lancaster; sister, Ann Montgomery and husband, Ronnie and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Anson and Jessie Spears; sister, Billye Ruth Tidwell and husband, Ray; and brother, Herb Spears. Funeral services will be held at Brown's Memorial Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Cemetery in Irving.
Published in Dallas Morning News on May 1, 2016