Ray Spencer Burns

A native Houstonian, Ray was born on October 1, 1924, the third of four children born to Lelia Gladys Gaskell Burns and Albert Leroy Burns.

During World War II, Ray served in the United States Coast Guard aboard LST-204 in the Pacific. After completing his military service, he returned home and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, where he became a proud Aggie for life.

He went on to found Burns DeLatte & McCoy, a Houston consulting engineering firm that provided engineering for the construction, expansion, and modernization of hospitals, research facilities, universities, and other major institutions in the Houston area and across Texas.

Ray possessed a deep sense of responsibility and impeccable integrity. Honorable, dependable, and steady to the core, he was a man who could always be counted on to keep his word, meet his obligations, and stand by the people he loved.

Ray’s lifelong love of sailing began at age twelve, when he received his first sailboat. An accomplished competitive sailor, he especially enjoyed racing on Galveston Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. After retiring, he and Paula spent many happy years cruising in the Bahamas together.

Ray is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 49 years, Paula Jorgensen Burns of Seabrook, Texas; and his daughter, Betsy Burns of Houston. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; his daughter, Martha; his parents; and his siblings.

A memorial service is being planned for later this year. Those wishing to honor Ray’s memory are invited to make a donation to a charity or organization of their choice.