Rev. Rayford "Ray" Rector

Funeral services for Rev. Rayford "Ray" Rector, 93, of Whitehouse, Texas will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Andrew Rehbein. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Grace Fellowship Church in Flint, Texas. There will also be a visitation prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home. 

Rev. Rayford Rector, known as “Ray” to friends and family, was born on January 1, 1932, in Nacogdoches, Texas to Dock and Callie (Jenkins) Rector.  He went to be with the Lord on March 27, 2025. 

Ray grew up in Nacogdoches County and graduated from Nacogdoches High School.  Ray met Maggie Joyce Commander in the youth group at First Church of God where they shared the same passion and commitment to God and dedicated their lives to one another August 17, 1951, in marriage.  They were married for 69 years and 9 months.

Ray attended Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas, and graduated with a Bachelor in Theology in 1968.  He was one of the oldest living graduates of Gulf Coast Bible College.  Ray served as an ordained pastor in the Church of God (headquarters Anderson, Indiana) for over 50 years in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Michigan.  Maggie served alongside him in his ministry.  He also served in the Ministerial Alliance, many boards and committees, and formed numerous chaplain services in various communities throughout his pastoral career.  He was known and loved by many, many people.

When not filling the pulpit preaching, Ray enjoyed reading, drawing, and fishing, and as his family grew, he especially enjoyed spending time with the kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and his numerous friends throughout the years.  After retiring from pastoring, Ray continued to teach Sunday School up until around the age of 86.

During the last four years of his life after Maggie’s passing, Ray found peace, comfort, and fellowship in his family and church friends.  He also came to enjoy his multiple weekly trips to his local Whataburger where the employees called him “Mr. Ray”.  Sometimes, he snuck off to Whataburger when his family was unaware and would tell the workers, “I’m not suppose to be here”.  He was loved by them, and sometimes they would sit down and share a breakfast or lunch with him.  Or, perhaps, he would be having a “chit-chat” with the McDonald’s employees down the street. Members in the community were known to report to Dale & Janet his whereabouts.

While our hearts are saddened at Ray’s passing, we rejoice immensely that he is with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and what a reunion with Maggie he must have had!  We know that he is completely free and healed.  He leaves our family such a lasting legacy as a faithful, obedient servant to the Lord, teaching us how to walk and love others.  Truly he was a friend to all.  He was one of the best!

Ray is preceded in death by his beloved wife Maggie on May 18, 2021.   Also, by his parents Callie Jenkins Rector and Dock Channel Rector, sisters Allie Lee, Aritha Mitchell, Elsie Rae Rector, brothers Curtis, Travis, and Eugene Rector.

He is survived by Sons: Reginald Rector and wife, Joy; Dale Rector and wife, Janet.  Grandchildren: Adrienne Wiseman, Bethany Watson, Courtney Rehbein, Lacey Fisher, and Stephen Rector.  Great-Grandchildren: Branden Purcell, Brittney Purcell, Isabella Wiseman, Lindsey Lowrence, Mackenzie Watson, Andi Rehbein, Hope Rehbein, Rae Fisher, Franci Fisher, Abe Fisher, Stone Rector, and Wells Rector.

Ray & Maggie’s favorite Bible verse was Jeremiah 29:11:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The family wishes to thank Enhabit Home Health, Tyler; Bluebonnet Point Wellness, Bullard; and Heart to Heart Hospice, Tyler, Texas for their compassionate care.  In lieu of flowers, the family request any donations be made to Gideon International or a charity of choice.

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