JUNIOR RAY VEST

Junior Ray Vest, of Mexia, passed away at his home on Aug. 29, 2020, at the age of 88. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2, in the Point Enterprise Cemetery, with Pastor Michael Vestal officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Vest, Keith Vest, Kyle Vest, Harley Jones, J.T. Vickery, Arlie Vickery, Alan Goodrich, John Pevehouse and Kent Yelverton.

Junior Ray was born June 20, 1932, in Lost Prairie, to Reuben Floyd and Bertha Shugart Vest. He lived in the Mexia area most of his life. Junior Ray served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a wellknown and very reputable paint contractor for many years, prior to retirement.

Junior Ray married his lifelong partner, Barbara Ruth Padgett, on Nov. 13, 1954, in Waco. As a young man, he enjoyed playing softball and golf. As years went on, he added fishing, camping, and restoring and selling tractors to his list of hobbies. His love for sports was passed on to the generations after him. His sons, and the majority of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed playing baseball, in addition to other sports. Junior Ray was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Of all the things he enjoyed, nothing was more special than family gatherings and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events.

Junior Ray was a rather quiet man who enjoyed the simple things in life – working hard to support his family, treating people with respect, and enjoying leisure time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben Floyd and Bertha Vest; and sisters, Nelda Grabbs and Betty Lou Vest.

He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Barbara Vest; sons Mark Ray Vest and wife Liz, Alan Richard Vest and Kevin Ryan Vest, all of Mexia; grandsons Kent Ray Vest and wife Kristen, Keith Ryan Vest and wife Kristyn, Kyle Richard Vest; granddaughter Tyler Huston Jones and husband Harley; great-grandchildren Kensley Vest, Kallie Vest, Kenzie Vest, Khloe Vest, Kylie Vest and Tripp Jones; sister Doris Faye Carter, of Malone; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Laura, Jacienda and all the caregivers for their special care and support given to Junior Ray during his illness.

Visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.