CUERO: Aubrey Ray Kelley, a loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and community friend, of Cuero, Texas passed away with his family joined by his side on April 21, 2025. He was born February 18, 1940, to Clyde Blair and Agnes Rice Kelley in Hochheim, Texas.

Ray loved sports, dominoes, hunting, and being with family. He was often seen boasting his favorite colors: Gobbler Green and Aggie Maroon. Baptized by the First Baptist Church of Hochheim in the Guadalupe River, Ray was born into a farming and ranching family with 10 siblings, Ray understood hard work, competition, and the value of an education. Opportunities did not come easy for him but in his eyes, there were no boundaries for success nor excuses for failure. While attending school in Yoakum, he exhibited pigs and cattle at the local show and often won in each division. His talents in high school reached far beyond agriculture, to elected leadership roles, and many other extra-curricular activities offered by the school. Yet his passion and motivation were most effectively demonstrated on the football field as a fighting Bulldog. During his high school football career, he was unanimously voted All District Offensive and Defensive player for three consecutive years, voted All Area Team for two consecutive years, and All State Honorable Mention. Ray excelled not only on the football field but also academically, which each, earned him a football scholarship to Texas A&M upon graduating from Yoakum High School in 1958

As an Aggie, he was a member of the Corp of Cadets, football team, and lettered on the football team as a freshman. Unfortunately, his athletic career took a turn for the worst when he injured his ankle and was no longer able to play football. Academics became his priority, and he received both his Bachelor and Master of Science degree from Texas A&M College. While working on his Master’s degree he was employed by Texas A&M as Teaching Fellow and taught physical education, boxing, weight training, and volleyball. Upon graduation with his MS degree in 1963, his career led him to Seguin High School as a Math and Science teacher, and coach for football, basketball, and track and later at Ganado. While at Ganado he started their first track team, nevertheless, as a coach his achievements included an undefeated basketball team and State Semi-Finalists Football team at Seguin, District Champions in football at both schools, trained four young men to hurdle in track and all four qualified to the state finals their first year of competition.

After eight years of coaching and teaching, in 1971, Ray made his way to Cuero High School to serve as Assistant Principal and later Principal. With over 28 years as the leading administrator, Cuero High School was recognized with many regional and state awards and honors due to his leadership and strive for excellence in the classroom. Most importantly he instilled in his student’s self-discipline and to be positive role models and mentors because younger children were always watching. He was a Rotarian, Young Farmer member, and served on the UIL State Athletic Council along with many other community and academic groups and roles plus serving his country in the Texas National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1962.

Ray is survived by his wife for over 62 years, Myra Sue Burns Kelley; his two sons Stanley Kelley and wife Debbie, Tom Kelley and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Blair Kelley and wife Haley, Kelsey Kelley and fiancé Colin Soderholtz, Emily June Williams and husband Bryson, Kaley Bauer and husband Lance, Laurel Von Dohlen and husband Trey, and John Thomas Kelley; great grandchildren Ataly Kelley, Tinley Kelley, Harper Williams, Berkley Kelley, Braxton Kelley, and Aubree Bauer; brothers Karl Kelley and wife Lydie Mae; Rex Kelley and wife Adrianne; twin sister Kay Manning and husband Ray; sisters Suzanne Benes and husband Frank, Priscilla Gibson; sister-in-law, Gloria Kelley; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Blair and Agnes Kelley; father-in-law L.T. Burns, Jr and mother-in-law Oreon Burns; brother Bart Kelley and wife Katherine, sister Bonnie Etie and husband Howard; brother Clyde Steen Kelley and wife Audrey; sister Margaret Hinton; brother Sam Kelley; sister-in-law Rosalie Kelley; brother-in-law John Gibson, and nieces and nephews.

Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. with Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Cuero with Dr. Glenn Robertson officiating. Graveside ceremony will follow at Lowrance Cemetery on the family Ranch near Yoakum.

Pallbearers are: Blair Kelley, John Thomas Kelley, Braxton Kelley, Ronnie Haug, Jeff Robbins, Mike Robbins, Don Spring, and Curtis Rhodes. Honorary Pallbearers: Clyde Lee Hinton, all his nephews, the 1967-68 Seguin Matador Football Team, and all former athletes.

Memorials may be made to DeWitt-Lavaca A&M Mother’s Club in memory of Ray Kelley, 2012 Morris Community Rd, Yoakum, TX 77995, or to a charity of choice. Special thanks to Hospice of South Texas and their genuine and loving caregivers.