Elton Ray Howard

Elton Ray Howard, age 84, died peacefully on Monday March 26, 2018 at his home with his wife in Arlington, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents George B. Howard and Lena Howard, and by his brother George W. Howard. He will be missed by his wife Pamela Howard of almost 32 years; step-daughter Jennifer Gassaway and husband Bill Gassaway and grandson Ethan Gassaway of Arlington, Texas; sister Patricia Thormahlen of Athens, Texas; and several special nieces and nephews.

Born in Childress, Texas in 1934. Graduated from Childress High School in 1951, received BS in Education from Texas Tech in 1957, and received his Masters of Science in Education from the University of North Texas in 1968. Served in the US Army during the Korean War and was in the Army Reserve for 8 years.

He was a gifted athlete in football, baseball, basketball, track, and tennis. Played linebacker for Texas Tech, and was on the teams that won the Sun Bowl in 1952 and the Gator Bowl in 1954. Also played 2 years in the Fort Hood Army football team. He loved playing tennis most of his adult life and was a tennis pro for several years.

For more than 35 years as an educator, teacher, counselor, coach, he worked with several school districts in Texas, also developed model communication programs and Community Education classes in Livingston ISD, and assisted in building leadership training programs. In 1974 was recognized by the White House of American Revolution Bicentennial Administration for developing Positive Active Leadership program for young people and adults.

Ray married his wife on August 23, 1986 and moved to Lake Livingston area where they lived and worked for 27 years. After he retired he loved living on the lake, fishing, follow the stock market, vacations to Galveston, working in his yard, and watching football on TV. His health brought him to move to Arlington to be closer to family in 2014.

Viewing his work as ministry, he worked and served the Lord Jesus Christ in all his vocational, business activities and church service. He has risen indeed to be with Christ forever.

Memorial celebration service will be held on Saturday April 7, 2018 at 11AM at

The Community of Lake Ridge (TCAL), meeting at

1151 Mansfield Webb Road

Arlington, TX 76002 855-401-8225

Family asks in lieu of flowers or plants, please donate to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice.

Interment of Ray’s ashes will be held at DFW VA National Cemetery later in April.