Ray Lane Pell went home to Jesus on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the age of 82.
Ray was born to Owen and Naomi Pell on April 28, 1938 in McKinney, Texas. As a child Ray came to know Jesus at The Assembly of God Church in Plano, Texas. During Ray’s early years you would find him playing baseball or drag racing down the streets of Plano. Ray met Barbara Lee Ayers in 1958 at Steffey’s Drive-In in McKinney, Texas through his friend James Kimbell. Barbara and Ray started dating Barbara’s Junior year of high school. On June 30, 1961 they were married at North Baptist Church in McKinney.
Ray worked for Western Electric which became AT&T. After retiring from AT&T he worked for Fisher Controls and retired from there.
Ray and Barbara served and raised their family at North Baptist Church. Ray and Barbara taught second grade Sunday School for 10 years, he served as RA leader and coach the RA basketball team. In later years they attended Waddill Street Baptist Church.
Ray was a devoted husband, loving father and Papa. Ray’s family was his life. He coached Mike’s soccer and baseball team, Kim’s softball team, attended football games, school dances, FFA Shows, school programs never missed a grandchild’s event. Ray loved spending time with Barbara, he enjoyed spending time with his brothers, drinking coffee with his friends, working outside, helping the neighbors and fixing things BUT most of all he enjoyed being at every grandchild’s event! Ray was happy, loved to joke and he never met a stranger. He loved his family and Jesus!
Ray leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Barbara; son, Mike Pell; daughter, Kim Finley and husband Ron; grandson, Warren Finley; granddaughter, Ayers Finley; brother, Jim Pell and wife, Phyllis; brother, Frank Pell; nephew, Joe Pell; and several other nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Naomi Pell; brother, Jack Pell; grandson, Noah Pell.
“The steps of a good man are directed by The Lord. He delights in each step they take.” Psalm 37:23-24.
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.
In support of our local, state, and federal govt including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the Funeral Service.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 20, 2020 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Ray’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/ray-lane-pell. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
However, when the maximum number of guests are reached, those who would like to honor Ray and show their support to his family may remain at the funeral home in your vehicle, where you can watch the live streamed service on your personal device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) or listen through a designated FM radio channel.
Following the funeral service a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service where all are invited to attend maintaining social distancing or you may remain in your vehicle. You will be able to listen to the service through speakers set up at the gravesite.