Ray Bridges, 88, of Woodway, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Ridgecrest Retirement Center in Woodway.
Private Graveside Service: China Spring Cemetery with Senior Pastor Amos Humphries officiating
Ray was born January 10, 1932 in Bosque County. He and Ruby Lee Ditto were married September 29 1956. To many, Ray was known as the “Dr. Pepper Man”. He retired from the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in Waco after 37 years of dedicated service. He met and made many lifetime friends over the many years he delivered Dr.Pepper to Waco area customers.
Ray was a deacon at First Baptist Church of China Spring where his love for singing in the choir began. He loved the Lord and shared that love with many children through teaching Sunday school with his wife, Ruby, for many years.
He was most recently a member of Park Lake Drive Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon.
Ray enjoyed working in the yard, a job that he did for many during his retirement. He enjoyed gardening, working in his shop and spending time with his family. In recent years, Ray enjoyed many friendships made and games played at Ridgecrest where he resided. As before mentioned, Ray loved to sing in the choir at church, s0 he continued his singing in the halls and in the resident’s rooms at Ridgecrest.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruby; his parents, Alva Roy and Edith Evans Bridges; his twin brother, Ralph; brother, Roy Jr.; and sisters, Dorothy Williams and Doris Sullivan.
Ray is survived by his brothers, Eldon Bridges and T.J. Bridges; daughters, Karen Hixson and husband, Ricky and Kim Kessler and husband, Jonny; grandchildren, Justin Hixson and wife, Robin, Amy Bennett and husband, John, Jessica Elkins and husband, Kyle and Ryan Kessler and wife, Katie; six great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandbaby; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Memorials in Ray’s memory may be directed to the American Heart Association or the Park Lake Baptist Church, 3701 N.27th Street, Waco, TX 76708
Place of Service: China Spring Cemetery , 15654 Old China Spring Rd,; China Spring, TX 76633
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Ruby and Ray were a pair. Did not see one without the other. They were my friends from the Heart of Texas Race track. It is sad but fitting they would both get their wings just days apart.
Prayers to the family
Judy and Stan Peters
Kim I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and father prayers for you and your family
Ray was a wonderful man, loved his family. Had many friends. Loved him and Ruby. They were one of the sweetest couples ever. They will be missed but are reaping what they sowed, together again.
Your mom and dad will be greatly missed. I loved them so much. Ruby was always smiling and Ray was always singing. Prayers for you and your family.
Allison Todd
Ray was a great coffee friend. Loved that old truck and was always up early. We so much enjoyed our church fellowship with Ray and Ruby. Just a faith filled honest man that you are proud to call a friend.
We are so sorry to hear about both Ruby and Ray. We send our love and sympathy to you all.
So very sorry for the loss of both parents so close together. They were wonderful people and true friends. May God hold you close in His loving arms. My prayers will continue to be with you in the coming days.
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother and now your father. Such sweet and nice people. May God Bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. I remember Ray & Ruby were so special. I worked with them at Ferrell Center. He was so outgoing and they made the perfect pair. My prayers are with the family. God bless.
Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ray and Ruby were such a sweet un-separable couple. Our family was blessed to cross paths with them while working at the Heart of Texas Speedway many years ago. I remember the hard working “Dr. Pepper Man” and sweet soft spoken Ruby. I pray for comfort and reassurance knowing that heaven has gained two very sweet angels that will continue to live on in your hearts.
We are truly Sorry for your loss!! With our deepest sympathy we are sending you all healing prayers during this difficult time!! We will light a candle in honor of your precious Love Ones!!