Alvin Ray Penry

Alvin Ray Penry, 83, passed away on May 10, 2016 at his home in Port Arthur, Texas. He was born in Silsbee, Texas on January 14, 1933 to Joe and Ruth (Buckalew) Penry.
Ray graduated from Silsbee High School in 1950 and later worked for Texaco-Port Arthur where he retired in 1988 as a 1st Class Master Craftsman after 38 years of service. He was a proud member of the OCAW-Local 423. Ray was an Airman 1st Class in the USAF from 1952-1954 where he flew as an airborne radio operator on a C47 during the Korean War while stationed in Tripoli, Libya. After the war, he was in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) flying on a KB29 until his honorable discharge in 1956.
Ray enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and during his lifetime visited 48 states. Ray’s favorite pastimes included using his carpentry skills to create gifts and furniture, Casino gambling, and watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Astros. Ray also loved spending time with his four-legged family members.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and by his wife of 35 years, Virginia. Ray is survived by his children, Lezlie Benally and husband, Chris; and Barbara Donahey and husband, Kevin; and his sister, Loraine “Joann” Patterson, Nederland. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Lisa Donahey, and grandson, Khristopher Donahey (Ashlee), two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and Dawnie Cleveland, who assisted in his household care during the recent years.
Visitation is planned for Thursday, May 12 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland. Services will be at Melancon’s Funeral Home on Friday, May 13 at 2:00 p.m.