Ray Duck

Ray Duck, age 98, entered his heavenly home on September 27, 2025, at the Wesley House in Sulphur Springs. There will be a celebration of life held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Murray Orwosky Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Pogue officiating.

Mr. Duck was born on February 2, 1927, in Linden, Texas, to Raymond and Mabel Claire (Williamson) Duck in Linden, Texas. He married Nellie Marie Beard August 21, 1944, in Avinger, TX. Ray and Nell were married 72 years. After serving in the US army during World War II, they relocated to west Texas where they lived in Snyder, Midland, Abilene, and Lubbock. Ray was in the insurance business and was among one of the first Certified Financial Planners in Texas. They moved to Sulphur Springs in 1980 where he retired from the business world and entered the ministry. He and Nell were charter members of New Beginnings Fellowship where he was ordained to the ministry and served as Assistant Pastor. He loved teaching and counseling and touched many lives at New Beginnings. He was blessed to have made many friends who became like family. He retired from the ministry at the age of 80.

Ray is survived by his daughter, LaVerna Hipp of Sulphur Springs; four grandchildren: Teri Meskimen of Sulphur Springs, TX; Jamie Hipp and wife, Jenny, of Woodway, TX; Catha Jaynes and husband, Ryan, of Houston, TX; Crista Henderson and husband, Nick, of Bastrop, TX; nine great grandchildren: Noah, Landry, McKenna, and Hunter Meskimen; Jordan, Taylor, and Karis Hipp; Parker Henderson; and Henry Jaynes. He leaves behind many friends who loved him dearly and who were like family to him.

His wife, Nell; son, Louis Ray Duck and wife, Vicky; and son in law, Mike Hipp, preceded him in death.

The family would like to thank the Wesley House staff who loved him and treated him like family, Choice Hospice who lovingly cared for him in his last days, and Pauline and Eddie Flora who became like family to all of us as they faithfully loved and cared for him.

Memorials can be made to Sandi’s Feeding Program for children in the Philippines through Fruitful Harvest Ministry, PO Box 1130, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.