William Darwin Ray, 88 of Abilene, Texas made his home going to Heaven on the 4th of July, 2026.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00am, July 17th, 2026 at Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene, Texas. Pastor Mike Harkrider officiating with family and friends contributing.

W. Darwin Ray (Darwin to his friends) was born March 11th, 1938, in Lamesa, Texas, to DeWitt and Mary Ray. He graduated from PSJA High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, and a master’s degree from Air Force Institute of Technology. Darwin received his Officer’s Commission into the United States Air Force in 1961where he faithfully served his Country for 24 years in logistics and supply, was a Vietnam War Veteran, Cold Warrior and was deployed all over the world retiring from active duty in 1985 at the rank of Colonel.

He met and married the love of his life, Paula Campbell, on August 14th 1965. They were married for 58 years and together raised a daughter and a son across air bases and communities throughout the USA and overseas. Darwin was both an Officer and a Gentleman. Upon retirement – he continued his career as a true patriot serving his country through defense contracting and aerospace. A dedicated Believer, family, and churchman Darwin was active in serving churches in whatever community he was stationed. The last two being Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas for 28 years and Wylie Baptist Church for 10 years. He loved Jesus and his family and friends dearly and served them faithfully including caring for his Mother-in-law Hazel, alongside Paula for more than 45 years. He was a very special man and showed us all what it means to love God, to love family, and to love country. He will be greatly missed, but the words of the Apostle Paul from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 reflect the honor with which he lived, and the spiritual confidence and perseverance in hope that guided his life and his family as a result: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the LORD the righteous Judge will award to me on that day…”

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents, and his bride, Paula. Survived by his daughter Michelle, and her husband Doug Reader of Flower Mound, Texas; his son Darrin and his wife Dr. Carri Ray of Abilene, Texas and four Grandchildren: Ryan (Britton) Reader (Estero, FL), Paul Reader (Irving, TX) , Carrmin Ray (Abilene, TX), and Makayla Reader (Flower Mound, TX) as well as two great-grandchildren: Zyan, and Ellie Rose Reader of Estero, FL.

Memorial gifts may be given to Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene, TX 79606.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff and caregivers of Wesley Court, Alpha and Omega Hospice and Visiting Angels- especially Sharon and Eliana who took such excellent care of Dad over the last number of years.