Ray Hooper
George Raymond Hooper was called home on April 8, 2020, in Beaumont, Texas, with his family by his side.
Ray was born to John and Dorothy Hooper in Beaumont, Texas, on October 28, 1960.
He met the love of his life and wife Janet at Gemco, a department store, and attended French High School. He graduated with high honors and a degree in chemical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin before returning to Beaumont to work for Texaco and then Motiva.
Ray was a man of action. He showed love through doing, fixing, strategizing, helping, and spending time with people. He loved the outdoors, driving the RV, and sharing national parks and other vacation adventures with his family. He enjoyed going fast and riding motorcycles, mountain bikes, and road bikes. He took care of and protected his family.
Ray was a storyteller. He built up his stories, used his hands, and the context was always relevant. He wrote well, sang well, and was often singing Elton John, Neil Diamond, The Eagles, and more around the house or in the car. He adored and was so proud of his daughters Amy and Paige and loved telling friends and coworkers about The Girls. He was a big fan of The University of Texas Soccer and a casual critic of barbecue joints.
Ray was an incredibly bright man. He was sharp-witted, blunt, and absolutely hilarious. He called it like he saw it and had his own collection of phrases, words, sounds, and gestures to express his humor.
Ray and Janet were married at and regularly attended St. Anne Catholic Church. After going on a mission trip with his family, Ray decided to join the Catholic Church and did so in 2007. Ray was a faithful man and loved singing loudly in church with Amy.
Ray was courageous in the face of cancer. He did what he could to have a chance at more time with his family and friends. This attitude characterized much of his life – Ray worked hard.
Ray is deeply loved and dearly missed by his wife; two daughters; siblings John, Ruth, Kat, and Mary; many other family members; friends; and coworkers. He was preceded in death by his mother, his father, and his sister Claire.
Due to the current situation, a gathering in celebration of Ray’s life will be delayed. The family will send out details at a later date. His arrangements are under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Ray requested that donations be made to MD Anderson to support research in lieu of flowers. Please visit http://mdacc.convio.net/goto/RayHooper for more information.
Comments
Richard Seay
Ray was a great man & will be missed.
Jill Tucker
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Ray for the past 10 years and really enjoyed working with him. He was always a pleasure and a pain all at the same time, although I am sure he felt the same about me and some of my crazy ideas and questions. Ray always had a smile on his face and was willing to help anyone who asked. He will be missed.
Kirk Decuir
My condolences to your family. Ray and I worked. on many projects through the years. I will miss his great sense of humor. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever known. He left way to early. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kirk Decuir
Dan Moser
I had lost touch with Ray in all the recent changes. I worked around him for 28 years. Ray was a great guy to work with. Always level-headed and always the professional. We would always just smile that "knowing smile" to each other in meetings. Prayers to his family and may you have the peace that he would surely wish for you.
Stephen O'Donnell
As a colleague of Ray's, I couldn't have asked to work alongside a better human being. Ray's wisdom, integrity, humor, character and positive attitude always guided his actions. He led by his actions and lived by his principles. I was blessed to consider him a friend as well as a coworker. Ray will be sorely missed by all those scores of people he worked with as well as friends and family. My deepest condolences to Janet and his family.
Traci Rizk
Janet, I did not know Ray very well but I do remember well being roommates on our ACTS retreat and working on the Kelly garage sale together. You and the family are in Wagdy and my thoughts and prayers.
Gene Ross
It was a sincere pleasure to work with Ray over the years. Prayers and condolences to family and friends. God Bless all pray that Ray will RIP Amen !
Max Medina
Ray was a great person and human being and will be missed by everyone. He was very professional, knowledgeable and always willing to help anyone. We pray for his rest in Heaven and for strength for all his Family. May the Lord Bless them.
Kent Koerth
I worked with and around Ray off and on throughout my career at the refinery. I will always remember his contagious smile. He was always a pleasant person to be around. My prayers are with the family during this time.. RIP Hoop!
Josette Brown
I never worked directly with Ray, but I saw him frequently during my 42 year career at Motiva. His smile was always contagious, and was always there when I saw him. He was a kind and gracious man. My prayers and condolences to you and your family. May God bless you.
Jon Williams
I lost touch with Ray but have fond memories of working together at Motiva. He was well respected & well liked by all. Condolences to the family.
Kerry Girolamo
As many have already noted, Ray always had a smile on his face. Always fun to be around and just an all around nice guy to work with. He will be greatly missed in this world.
John B Holland
Janet, Amy, Paige and the rest of the Family, May God grant you all sufficient grace, and peace in this hour of need. I worked with Ray at Motiva for the last 20 plus years. I highly respected him as a co-worker and friend. He always had a story to tell, a few about himsel, and enjoyed life. He was extremely proud of his famiy and the University. We will miss his smile, great attitude and wisdom.
Darlene Weaver
I pray for Ray’s soul. He was a very courageous man who brought so much to the people he loved and cared about. He was a warrior who fought a strong fight to stay with his family and friends. He did everything he could but God needed another angel by His side. Ray will be missed. May he Rest In Peace. I pray that God sends comfort and strength to Janet, Amy, Paige and everyone struggling to help them through this difficult time. Prayers and love to all.
Maria Lopez
Amy was on my soccer team!. Ray was one of my favorite volunteers. He was always willing to help. Janet was on the sideline with Paige kicking a soccer ball around. Ray and Janet hosted a lot of end of the year soccer parties. I ran into Ray and Janet awhile back they were proud parents. Trying to catch me up to date on their beautiful young daughters. Inquiring about my Ashley as well. Janet, Amy and Paige I pray that God gives y’all comfort. Ray was a great man with a contagious smile.. please accept my condolences to the family!
The Fuselier Family
Prayers and love to Ray’s family. Ray was a good man, a great husband, and an awesome Dad. We are honored that we were able to share so many happy days with him (usually at soccer games) and to witness his humor, kindness, zest for life’ and undeniable love for Janet, Amy, and Paige. Heaven has gained a good one.
Lynda Broussard
Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Lori Wenner
Janet, Amy, and Paige, I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful father and husband. My heart goes out to you and you will all be in our family's prayers for peace and comfort. With all our love, The Wenner Family
Justin Farinella
We are so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. You are in our prayers. May God give you peace knowing that he is no longer is suffering. Justin and Pam Farinella
Kathleen Richings
Deepest condolences to the Hooper family at this most difficult time. May our Heavenly Father hold you all is the palm of his hand. Janet if there is anything you may need please let us know. Prayers and love to you all.
Tony Patrone
Janet, Amy, Paige and Ray's extended family, please accept my sincere sympathy, emotional and spiritual support. I knew Ray primarily through working with him at Texaco, Star Enterprise and Motiva. While perhaps a less than complete setting for personal interaction a workplace over time reveals personal values & character. Ray had positive, trust-building and inspiring values & traits including - strength and resolve when faced with adversity, welcoming & open to others, balanced thinking, considerate toward multiple viewpoints, respectful of truth even when different than expected, effective decision making and actions, able to blend humor into everyday interactions with colleagues. Through the years so many great laughs, funny quips and timely humor from & with Ray - truly he was a man with whom I looked forward to engaging and discussing business topics plus life interests and personal experiences. Ray, and the values and attributes he personified, will be greatly missed. Praying for and thinking of your comfort & assurance through this difficult time.
Larry Matthews
May God’s graces be upon all Ray’s family and friends. Ray has been many things to me throughout our time together. He was a co-worker, supervisor, mentor, carpooler, and most importantly a friend. RIP GRH.
Pamela M VanBoskirk
I graduated with Ray and was shocked to see this. I am so sorry and will be praying for all of you. He was a great guy.
Jaime Husen
I had the privilege of working with Ray for the last decade. He was always willing to teach, debate, listen and mentor. I trusted his advice and wisdom and had deep respect for him. Will greatly miss his quick wit and quick smile. I wish you my deepest condolences for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.
Mary Gradney
Dear Janet, I am so very sorry for your loss! I pray that you & your family will be sustained by our Blessed Mother during your time of bereavement. May Ray's soul & all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Shanna Briggs
Janet and girls, I am so very sorry for your loss. I saw y’all walking in the neighborhood on Friday, but I had not heard about Ray yet. He was in the prayers of the faithful at mass this morning. I pray that God wraps you all in his arms and you find peace. May God Bless you! Shanna
The Babin Family
Janet, Amy and Paige we are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing.. May God bless you all. Ann, Flip, Sarah, Hannah and Rachel
Jodie Gentry
Janet I am so sorry to hear about Ray. I will pray for strength, comfort and peace for you, the girls and the rest of the family.
Kimberly Baldwin Bennett
Janet, I am so sorry about Ray's passing. I remember barbecues at your house with all the music mentioned in the obituary playing and Ray singing and being so happy to be hosting people in his home. He really did live life out loud. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Amy, and Paige. Rest in peace. Ray.
Barbara Tipple
Janet- I am Ray’s cousin on his mother’s side. My husband and l met you and Ray at Aunt Wilma’s 90th birthday. We enjoyed talking with both of you. He was a great guy and will be missed so much. We are very sorry for you and your family’s loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Barbara Tipple
Natalie Warren
Janet, Amy and Paige. = You are in my prayers during this time. Ray was a co-worker and friend for the last 20 years at MOTIVA. He was a great mentor in sharing his knowledge of the refining business. I learned a lot from him. I have many memories of his story telling during our safety meetings. No mater the subject of the meeting he always had a story to share with the team. I always looked forward to what Ray was going to share with the group.. The memory of Ray that always make me smile is when he would tap his fingertips together when he would want to "strategize" on a subject. He often spoke so highly of you. He will be truly missed but it brings comfort knowing he is now healed.
Sandy & Damon Black
Janet, Amy and Paige, We're so very sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful person and we wish we would have spent more time together. This all happened way too soon. He's going to be greatly missed. You three are in our hearts and in our thoughts. Love you.
Fran Ewing
I am so sorry about your loss. God bless Janet and their two children. St. Anne Church has lost a special man - devoted family man and parishioner.
Peggy Grren
Dear Janet, Paige and. Amy, I was very sad to learn of Ray’s death. He always very kind and polite. I know his death leaves a giant hole in your hearts. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you walk this way of the cross.
Donnie Abshier
Janet, Amy, and Paige. I'm sorry I am so late making a comment. I actually did not know about this site until recently. Ray and I met in 7th grade in history class. Not sure I would have passed that class without rays help. History was one of my worst subjects. I used to spend the night with him on many occasions and would help him early in the morning with his paper route. He would let me drive while he threw the papers. We were only 15 at that time. I like it cause I could drive because at that time I did not have a license. We made more friends when we were working at Kentucky Fried Chicken. We all used to go to the beach and stay at my aunts beach cabin, then of course we both also worked at Gemco were I met Janet for the first time.My heart goes out for you. I also really miss him.