October 7, 1940 – January 7, 2024

Ray Allen Whitley, 83 years young. Residing in Alvin, Texas passed peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024, with Eileen by his side. Ray joined his loved ones preceding him in death, including his father, Clemons W. Whitley, mother Pauline Whitley, and brother Billy R. Whitley. He is survived by his Life Partner Eileen Whitley, brother Charles “Butch” W. Whitley, two children Martin A. Whitley and Jodi W. Quinn, stepdaughter Michele McCarty, and their families; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was a kind-hearted soul with a true sense of calm and joy, a real cowboy who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ray was born on October 7, 1940, in Huntsville, Texas to Clemons and Pauline Whitley. He led an amazing life! He grew up in Village Mills, Texas, in the middle of the “Big Thicket” wilderness. Ray and his brothers spent most of their time hunting, fishing, and exploring. Later on, Ray attended Elliott Elementary, in the East End of Houston, for 3rd through 6th Grade, Ray referred to this time as a “Big Change for Little Country Boy”. In 1956 Ray's family moved to Friendswood, Texas, on 10 acres. In high school, Ray was known to “cut a rug”. He had tailor- made pants and his Elvis hair. He bought a ’48 Ford convertible with a soft top. It worked great until he parked in the pasture and the cows ate holes in the top overnight. His family growing up was lucky to live next door to Uncle Boyd & Aunt Grace Corder and their nine children. With all the children around, there was endless joy, humor, dancing, and pranks. Ray graduated from Clear Creek High School and remained an active alumnus keeping in touch with friends and peers from the glory days. The joy of knowledge brought him to Alvin Junior College, soon after he joined the USCG.

“Rayboy” was his nickname as a kid, his brothers, cousins, and friends called him that. His grandkids called him Poom Pow, Ponpal, and Pompal! Ray often told his grandkids the story of the night he dreamed his grandchild called out the name Pompal to him before his first grandchild Ray C. Whitley was born. Many spell it differently, but the sentiment and the heart behind the iconic name remain. Ray collaborated with his brothers throughout his life to carry on their parents' legacy of bringing family together for reunions, Christmas, Wimberly weekends, and many other gatherings. Together with Eileen “Gran” to her grandchildren and family, they created many long-lasting memories for their grandchildren, full of campfires, movie outings, and beloved pancake and waffle breakfasts. Ray would often offer fresh ribbon cane syrup to his grandchildren on these mornings, and they would reply, maybe next time Pompal. Over the years, hunting was a big part of Ray’s legacy. He enjoyed many excursions with his grandsons & son. Whether it was Quail Hunting at the Chaparral Ranch or deer hunting in far West Texas; when Ray was in the wilderness, he was truly in his element. Ray would always make time to visit with his kids & grandkids. He had a way of putting you at ease where you could be yourself and he was ok with that. He especially enjoyed spending time with Eileen’s daughter Michele during her many visits.

He wore his hat and his mustache equally with his smile. He had many adventures in his life while accompanied by animals, especially horses. He knew what they were thinking before they did; he was a great teacher and mentor…he could tell a lot from just looking in their eyes. Being an early bird to care for his animals, he made the most of every day. He saw more sunrises across the Texas landscape than most. Ray never seemed to age. He was in great shape and exercised daily, he could do 20 pushups and hardly winded. Rather than opening the gate to the pasture, he would climb over, or when he parked at the store, he would park in the back and walk. His FFA jacket from high school still fits over 60 years later!

He liked to tell a good story; he was the king of stories! A memory that was so sharp that he could recall full names and set a scene with only words. His laugh had an infectious quality. There was no way you would keep a straight face once the laughter started. He always had a smile for every occasion. Thumbs up was his motto, a big smile and thumbs up for all occasions. An excellent example for everyone!

He had a tireless enthusiasm for life and business, it was contagious to be around him.

He was the founder and CEO of Whitley Drywall Inc., established in 1965, and continued to be in business for more than 56 years, working with his son Martin, daughter Jodi, and grandson Cody. Shortly before his passing, Ray wrote, “I’m very blessed to have two great kids”.

Together, the Whitley family, with Ray's leadership, has created a lasting community with a strong reputation. Loyal employees such as Ray Wright, Otis Pittman, Miguel Olmos and many more who started out as employees have become a part of the family over the years.

A well-respected Breeder/Owner of Thoroughbreds, his horses ran the Louisiana Circuit and won races at almost every track in Southwest Texas and Louisiana. He inspired his son and grandsons to follow in his passion. The ‘W’ in Whitley is for winning, whether a turkey shoot or a horse race. His luck was legendary. Throughout his life, Ray's friends and peers often greeted his family when out and about, who knew him from high school, business, horse racing, or a bowling league. They all wanted to know how Ray was doing and wanted to say hi. Anybody would love to have that group of people who love and adore what you've done with your life.

Ray touched a lot of lives in a Godly way. He will be greatly missed.

His service of worship and celebration will be at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546. Visitation will be Monday, January 15th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Celebration of Life on Tuesday, January 16th, 10:00 am.

Graveside Service will be at East Sandy Cemetery of Bethal Baptist Church, 5744 FM 1374, in New Waverly, Texas on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 3:00P.M. at the Whitley Family gravesite.

Pallbearers will include Mike Quinn, Alan Whitley, Justin Quinn, Ray C. Whitley, Cody Whitley and Garrett Whitley.