Ray Dean Carden

November 22, 1936 - April 20, 2018

After 81 years of life on this Earth, Ray went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 20, 2018. Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Pat, daughter and son-in-law Dede & Paul Rider of Lubbock, grandchildren Ashley and Zach Elms of Frisco and Raymond Rider of Lubbock. Ray Had one great grandson, Jude Elms, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Euric and Violet Carden and three brothers: Royce Fugate, R.E. Fugate and Tony Carden. Ray was born November 22, 1936 in Eustace, Texas. Ray’s family moved to Athens and Trinidad, finally settling in Malakoff, Texas. Ray graduated from Malakoff High School in 1955, Where he participated in basketball, track and was voted Most Popular Senior Boy. It was in Malakoff that he met the love of his life and future bride, Patsy Ruth Nokes. They married on September 2, 1955, and for 63 years walked through this life together. After marriage, Ray and Pat moved to Dallas and he was hired by General Electric Co. as a mailroom worker. He attended night classes at SMU and University of Texas/ Arlington. He served in the Army Reserve from 1959-65. Returning to General Electric in 1960, he enjoyed a very successful executive career there for 37 years. He was loved and respected by his colleagues, forming many lifelong friendships. Ray retired in May 1992, but quickly decided retirement wasn’t for him. He began working as a general contractor and retired for good in 2001. If there ever was a poster child for being involved, it was most certainly Ray. Throughout his entire life Ray was a devout Christian man and a tireless public servant, leading various community and church groups. Toastmasters, Lion’s Club, Rotary and Kiwanis were all groups he enjoyed during his career years. Upon retiring, countless hours were spent volunteering for Lindale United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels, Lindale Food pantry, UM Army, St. Benedicts Chapel of Lubbock, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army and driving cancer patients to their treatments. His faith and selflessness were an inspiration to all who knew him and his dedication to serve never waned, even when his health began to fade. Ray loved the unlovable and lead them to Christ, which showed in his dedication to Kairos Prison Ministries. He will be deeply missed by his Kairos brothers and sisters, as well as the men in white. “Witness for Christ every day; use words if necessary” was his lifelong pledge of faith. We will miss his cheerful whistle, his wise words of wisdom and faith, his yearly Christmas newsletters and the unconditional love he had for his family and friends. A celebration of Ray’s life will be on Thursday, June 7th at 1:00 in the afternoon at First United Methodist Church in Lindale, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Kairos Prison Ministries, Lindale Food Pantry, meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice. “His Lord said unto him, well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord”. Matthew 25:21