RAY MCKOWN

Mr. Ray McKown, 48, of Iola passed away Thursday, April 15, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple. A celebration of his life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at Iola Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Joel Douget officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Ray was born in Brenham on February 8, 1973 to Willie Don & Sandra McKown. He was raised in Iola where he attended Iola ISD, class of 1991. Ray embraced growing up in a small town where many life-loong friendships were made. After graduation, he moved off to pursue a certification in HVAC.

Upon returning to Iola, Ray met the love of his life, Wendy. After two years of dating, they were married October 8, 1994. Ray started his career at Schult, building mobile homes. They began their family and were blessed with two daughters, Brittany and Emma. Ray was a loving father who was extremely proud of his daughters.

Ray then began his career as a self-employed general contractor. He was good with his hands and thoroughly enjoyed making people happy. Ray ended his career working at SFI, Inc., as a fleet manager.

Ray had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, even if it meant bringing them to the jobsite to help him. Ray was a sports fanatic, his favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros and the Texas Longhorns. He enjoyed watching and attending games and was known to be a certified BSer who loved to drink Budweiser while hanging out with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Angie McKown.

Ray is survived by his wife, Wendy McKown of Iola; mother, Sandra Lazrine and husband Don of Navasota; daughters, Brittany and Emma McKown of Iola; and brothers, Jim Bob McKown and wife Kristy of Bryan and Justin McKown and wife Lisa of College Station.

You are invited to leave fond memories or kind words at www.noblesfuneral.com.