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RAY MILTON AUTRY
January 8, 1936 - October 24, 2025
Bio
Newspaper Article(s)
AUTRY
Ray Milton Autry, beloved father, grandfather, and
great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 89.
Ray was born on January 8, 1936, in San Antonio, Texas, to Raymond McKindley
Autry and Celia Elizabeth (Gentry) Autry. He grew up in a loving, faith-filled
home, the son of devoted ministers, and his life reflected that same steady
devotion to faith, family, and hard work.
A graduate of Somerset High School, Class of 1955, Ray soon after joined the
United States Army in September 1955, proudly serving two years of active duty
in Germany. He continued his service in the Army Reserve until his honorable
discharge in 1961.
In August of 1959, Ray married Betty Jane Watson, and together they had two
children — Paul Keith Autry (Julie) and Susan Rae Mangold — who were the joy of
his life.
Ray’s early career began with City Public Service, and he later became a skilled
carpenter. In 1975, he joined H. B. Zachry Company, where he served as a Project
Manager overseeing major projects across the globe — including Saudi Arabia, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Australia, and Jamaica. He retired in 1998 after a long and
accomplished career.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ray was a self-taught musician
with a natural gift for rhythm and melody. In his younger years, he was known
for his talent on the 12-string guitar, and he and his closest friends formed
a garage band that drew quite a crowd in the 1950s.
In retirement, Ray pursued one of his greatest joys — driving the backroads,
“looking for land.” He had a natural eye for potential and loved the challenge
of buying and selling property long before “flipping” was popular. He found
happiness in the simple things, cherished his friendships, and was often
described as a gentleman’s gentleman.
Ray’s deep love for Christ was a defining part of his life. He lived with
humility, kindness, and faith that guided every chapter of his journey.
He is survived by his children, Paul Keith Autry (Julie) and Susan Rae Mangold;
his grandchildren — Kaitlyn Rae Evans (Corey Evans), Garrett Randall Mangold,
Abigail Rae Autry, and Kenner Brady Mangold; and his great-grandchildren,
Shiner Ray Evans and Beckham Ray Autry, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at:
Coker Cemetery
231 E. North Loop Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78216
Published on the Mission Park Funeral Chapels website on October 31, 2025.
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