Ray Cleckler

RAY CLECKLER, 75, of Pasadena, TX passed away October 16, 2005 after a lengthy illness of Alzheimer's.

Ray, a natural athlete, was born in Weslaco, TX. He attended SMU on a football scholarship and served in the Marine Corp. While in the Marine Corp, he married his high school sweetheart Pattie Sue Schellhamer. After serving his country, Ray completed his education at Hardin Simmons University again on an athletic scholarship. Ray and Pattie moved to Pasadena in 1957 where he began a 23-year coaching career at Pasadena ISD. Ray coached at Jackson and San Jacinto Intermediate, Pasadena High School and was the head football coach at South Houston High School from 1965 to 1980. During this time, Ray became a member of the South Houston Rotary Club, serving as the president one year. He finished his coaching career with the Wyndam School System. Over his career as a coach and educator, Ray positively influenced and guided many young people. Ray had a very outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He enjoyed life to the fullest and his passions were his family, football, gardening, being at the lake house he built on Lake Livingston with friends, water skiing, boating and barbequing. Ray was never without a project.

Ray is survived by his wife of 54 years Pattie, his daughter Sandy, son Thad and wife Valerie; grandchildren Reed and Ross Cleckler as well as his brother Glen, and sisters Lila Bales, Kathryn Bywaters and Mary Sue Brogdon along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the compassionate and loving care Ray received from the staff of Pine Tree Cottage and A-Med Community Hospice. A memorial service to celebrate Ray's life will be held on Friday, October 21, 2005 at 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1062 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 2909 W. Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77025.
Published in the Houston Chronicle on 10/20/2005.

Another article in the Pasadena Citizen talks about his distinguished career as South Houston High School's "Winningest Coach"