Ray Mozingo

Ray Mozingo, 85, of Callisburg, passed away at his home with loved ones surrounding him on Friday, February 14, 2014. The family grieves at his passing, but are thankful he is now without pain and discomfort, due to the cancer that had taken over his body.

Ray was born in Walnut Bend on May 10, 1928 to Edgar and Mamie Mercer Mozingo. When Ray was 5 days old, a tornado hit their home and Ray and his mother, Mamie, were swept up inside the funnel. Several hours passed before Ray was found under a portion of their destroyed home’s roof. He suffered only a bruise. His mother, Mamie had extensive injuries and died the next morning.

Ray grew up in the Walnut Bend community. He married Lillian Fox in August 1944 and they moved to Dallas. While living in Dallas, Ray worked in the office for The Texas and Pacific Railroad. He sold commercial real estate, sold cars, and worked in retail sales. He concluded his work by owning and servicing vending machines. In 1989, they moved their home in Richardson to the Fox Farm in Callisburg on land Lillian had inherited from her family. Lillian died in 1996 of the effect of Alzheimer’s. Ray took care of Lillian the last twelve years of her life. She was able to die at home, 100 feet from where she was born.

Through the years, Ray has had numerous family pets. His heart was big and he loved and cared for all of them. Several years ago, he took in two stray dogs that someone had dumped and a female deer who adopted him.

On May 10, 1997, Ray married Margaret Reed of Callisburg. They enjoyed planting, growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables that they grew on their land. Both of them had rather be outside than inside the house. They enjoyed being involved with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ray and Margaret have been active members of Callisburg United Methodist Church.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and step-mom Edgar and Mamie Mercer Mozingo, and Sally Magers Mozingo. Also, predeceasing him was his brother, Dan Mozingo.

Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret Mozingo; daughter, Mary Reeves and husband, Michael, of Whitesboro; and son, Joe and his wife, Ellaina of Merit. There are also 2 grandsons, Jason Reeves and wife, Clare Ferguson of London, England and Keith Reeves and wife, Carrie Reeves of Austin. There are 4 grandchildren, James Robert Reeves and Johnny Ray Reeves of London, England and Avery Lillian Reeves and Julia Ruth Reeves of Austin. Also, one sister, Colleen Scott and husband, Harlan Scott of Gainesville. There are 2 uncles of Gainesville, David and Gilbert Mozingo. He is survived by many cousins in the Gainesville area and California along with many nieces and nephews. Also, he is survived by Margaret’s children, Toy Kenneth Corley and wife, Sherry; Joyce Miller Trammell and husband, Donnie; and Kay Miller Evans and husband, Don who were as loved as his own children.

Pallbearers are Toy Kenneth Corley of Whitesboro, Joe Fox of Richardson, Paul Huneycutt of Callisburg, Jeff Mozingo of Lewisville, Trent Mozingo of Howe, and Donnie Trammell of Callisburg.

The Mozingo family would like to say thanks to all family, and friends in the community who have called, sent cards, brought food or visited. It made his illness easier and life more bearable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Home Hospice of Cooke/Grayson County.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 19 from 6-8 pm at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville.

Funeral services will also be held at the funeral home at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 20 with burial to follow at Nelson Grove Cemetery in Woodbine. Pastor Karen Martinez and Pastor Gene Gordon will officiate at the service.