Leo Ray Bird

Born on February 11, 1946, in Velasco, Texas, Ray grew up in the Texas Hill Country, primarily Kerrville, where he often shared memories of his happy childhood. After graduating from Tivy High School, Ray served his country with honor in the U.S. Navy, afterward graduating from the University of Houston. He went on to a successful career in San Antonio as a real estate broker and then worked for the State of Texas – Attorney General’s Office.

Ray was known for his honesty, quiet strength, and dry wit.

A man of many interests, Ray found joy in the simple pleasures of life—tending to his home and landscaping projects, digging into ancestry research, and spending time with those he loved most. He was known among neighborhood friends as someone who was always glad to lend a hand.

In every role he played—from military service to business to family life—Ray lived with deep integrity and a strong sense of accountability.

His quiet presence and thoughtful humor left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Ray is preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor Smith Bird and his brother, Curtis Anthony Bird. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jennings Bird; his sons, Aubrey Alan Bird (Kitty) and Joseph Edwin Bird; his brother, Benjamin Smith Bird (Lourdes) and sister, Nancy Bird Mellen (Ronald); nieces and nephews, Linda Bird Moon (Wan), William Bird (Suksiri), Amanda Bird, Curtis Bird, Jr. (Denise), Kathy Bird, Alison Welty (Ryan), and Eleanor Anderson (Matthew), along with other family and friends. Ray's legacy is one of integrity, dedication, and love of family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209 on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Shelter # 1. A reception will immediately follow at Alamo Cafe, 14250 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78232.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer's Research, https://www.alz.org/partthecloud/

Memories and pictures may be shared at the Neptune Society website, neptunesociety.com/obituaries.