R.I.P.
OCT 14
2017
OCT 14
2017
Ray Royal
Raymond Robert Royal Sr. COLLEYVILLE–Raymond Robert Royal Sr., 87, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Bedford. FUNERAL: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville with reception immediately following the graveside service. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 17, at Bluebonnet Hills. Pallbearers: His FWFO crew, Benny Askins, Joel Fief, Mal Hasty, Gary Knox, Pat McBee, and Ulis Whitecotton. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by making donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate, or to support youth sports at The Heads Up! Foundation, https://www.theheadsupfoundation.org/donate. Raymond was born July 24, 1930, in Navasoto, Texas, to Lupe Rodriguez and Josephine Hyman. Ray grew up in Fort Worth attending Laneri High School where he was a star athlete excelling in football, basketball and baseball. He also attended TCU. On weekends, you would find Ray playing golf at Glen Garden Golf and Country Club where he was one of the original “Dirty Dozen.” Ray was a member of the Fort Worth Football Officials (FWFO) for 60 years, officiating high school football until he was 82 years old. He retired from Southland Corporation with more than 25 years with the company. Raymond married Christine Widacki in 1952, and they recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. For the past five years, Christine has been in a nursing home under care for Alzheimer\’s. He was dedicated to visiting his bride daily to care for her until July when .his health prevented him to continue. They are charter members of St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford, where they were both active as Eucharistic ministers. SURVIVORS: Ray is survived by his wife, Christine; children, Cindy Caloss (Ron), Kit Bolte, and Ray Royal Jr. (Kathleen); grandchildren, Jeff Rutledge, Ashley Snider (Drew), Matthew Royal, Zachary Royal, Jessica Bolte, Jennifer Bolte; great‑grandson, Bradley Eden, with two more great‑grandchildren due in the next five months; siblings, Jerry Royal, Berry Royal, Shirley Daniel (Ed); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
