Karry Don Ray of Pottsboro passed away on May 11, 2022, at the age of 65. He was born in Lubbock, TX on October 25, 1956.
Karry loved aviation and dedicated his career to many facets of flying. While in high school he earned his private pilot license. After graduating from Denison High School in 1975 he joined the Air Force and became a skilled airframe and power plant (A & P) mechanic. After leaving the Air Force he put down roots in Las Vegas where he continued airplane mechanics and began charter flying. He served as the Director of Maintenance for several Grand Canyon charter operations. He loved to tell fun stories about the people he met and places he went. Serving as the corporate pilot for the famous Chicken Ranch gave him plenty of tales and laughter. An opportunity to join the Federal Aviation Admin
An opportunity to join the Federal Aviation Administration took him to Albuquerque, NM and then to Little Rock, AR. While in New Mexico he was the lead FAA administrator for the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Karry retired in 2017 from the FAA as the manager of the Flight Standards District Office in Little Rock and he then returned to Denison to work with his father in the family business. Karry was always quick with a pun and eager to
Karry was always quick with a pun and eager to bring a smile to anyone whether he knew them well or had just met. He enjoyed photography, hiking, camping and fishing. His love of scuba diving let he and friends explore the coasts of several countries. He was certainly hard to keep up with on the snowy ski slopes of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. His Thompson Heights friends will all remember the years spent riding motorcycles, swimming, water skiing and sailing. Karry was a great barefoot skier!
Karry leaves his son, Justin Ray (wife Kirsty) and three granddaughters Ainsly, Amelia and Lettie of Broken Arrow, OK. He also leaves his Denison family, father Jimmy Ray and sister Shelle Cassell (husband Randy), and nephews Ryan Cassell (wife Kimberly and great niece Camilla) and Colton Cassell. He will be missed dearly by his long-time friend and companion Clare Manning of Albuquerque, and his beloved dog Sadie. Karry was preceded in death by his mother, Ava Ray, in 2021. A private graveside service will be held later. In lieu
A private graveside service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorials may be made to The Denison ISD Education Foundation.
Condolences may be registered online at http://www.fisherfh.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.
