Ray Junior Kirkpatrick, age 86, loving father to seven children and devoted husband to Helen Kirkpatrick, gained his wings and returned to his heavenly home on Monday May 30, 2022. Ray was born on March 12, 1936, in Dallas County, Texas to William Oscar Kirkpatrick and Willie Marie Kirkpatrick. He grew up in Dallas, Tx with his brother Virgil, and two sisters Ruby and Helen. He excelled in his studies and graduated from Adamson High. He began his relationship with Christ early on in life and was a devoted christian. Ray began his volunteer work as a Masonic Mason where he was initiated on August 16, 1963, as a Master Mason for the Mike H Thomas Lodge #1314, was passed on June 30, 1964, and was raised on August 4, 1964. Ray married Helen Willene Mikesell on December 31, 1964, and together they raised their 5 sons and 2 daughters in Lacaster, Tx.  Ray continued to find ways to volunteer. He was volunteer police officer for the Lacaster Police Department for 10 years. After 30 years of being a truck driver he retired. Ray and Helen bought lakefront property in Chandler, Tx and that is where they have resided for the past 38 years.  Ray became the District Deputy Grand Master for Chandler Lodge #993 in 1999. Ray and Helen both were members of the West Lake Baptist Church for 25 plus years where they taught Faith Sunday School from 1999-2012. He was also a volunteer with the Texas Baptist Builders (TBM) where he helped build several churches over the years and even got to go to Toyoko for 3months to assist with a build. Ray was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and fought the battle for many years with Helen’s devoted help. He passed peacefully while at home with his loving wife on Monday. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends but his devoted christian faith reminds us that we will see him again.

Ray is survived by his wife Helen Willene Kirkpatrick, Sons Floyd DeWight Kirkpatrick, Wallace Coleman Kirkpatrick, and James Ladd Kirkpatrick, Daughters Phillis Kay Kennedy, and Peggy Ann Lilly, 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father William Oscar Kirkpatrick, mother Willie Marie Kirkpatrick, brother Virgil J Kirkpatrick, sisters Ruby and Helen, sons Joseph Ray Kirkpatrick and Paul Curtis Kirkpatrick, and grandson Jared Jacob Reeb.

The family requests no flowers but instead donations to The Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, Tx 75701 phone number (903) 266-3400.