Howard Wayne Ray, age 78, of Linden, Texas, passed away January 20, 2021 in Shreveport, Louisiana at the Overton Brooks Veterans Administration Medical Center.  Wayne was born April 21, 1942, in Austin, Texas to Harbon Louie Ray and Lillie Elizabeth Murr Ray.

Wayne was a taxidermist and took great pride in his work.  He also worked as the curator of the Alaska Zoo for over ten years.  Wayne was a proud United States Air Force Veteran, having served during the Cold War era. Wayne was an accomplished artist and especially enjoyed painting.  He also enjoyed photography.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman as well.  Wayne loved all animals and was very fond of spending time outdoors.  He also loved eating catfish.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and one son-in-law, Robert Hilton.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Marla McCoy Ray of Linden; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Claudia Hilton and Drew Stewart of Mesquite, Texas, Carol R. Ray of Omaha, Nebraska, and Melissa and Robert Alexander of Queen Creek, Arizona; three grandchildren, Shea Alexander, Makenzie Alexander, and Hudson Alexander; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Concord Cemetery in Hughes Springs, Texas with Larry Wells officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.