Edward Averitt

Edward "Ray" Averitt, 60, of Washington, TX, husband of Connie Diane Averitt, died June 20, 2013. The funeral service will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel Monday, June 24 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Vicki Averitt officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Good Hope Cemetery. Ray was born December 22, 1952, in Houston, TX, to Edward Arthur and Betty Dawn Reeves Averitt and was raised in Spring Branch, TX. Ray was sincerely a genuine man. He cherished the love of his wife, Connie, of 37 years. They married on August 24, 1974, in Independence, TX. Ray and Connie established their home in Washington on the land they loved dearly. They raised two beautiful children, Misti Rae and Matthew Lee. Ray was the strength of his family, and he always was the first to be there for everyone. He was a soft-spoken, gentle man who put the needs of his family before his own. He never missed a day having coffee with his mother-in-law on the way to work or praising his wife for the beautiful woman she was to him. He always had a gentle touch for her face, a beaming smile and a kind word of love for her. He had an enormous love for his children and was so proud of the adults they had become. You knew of his love, devotion and pride simply by the look in his eyes. Lane and Talyn, his grandchildren, made the buttons of his shirt pop off with pride. They were Paw''s love, and he spent as much time as possible with them. Ray will be missed deeply by his many family and friends. Ray worked for 37 years for AT&T and retired in 2010. He was the example of a man that all men should strive to be. Survivors include his wife, Connie Diane Averitt; daughter and son-in-law, Misti Rae and Daniel Perez; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew Lee Newman and Hannah Elaine Averitt; grandchildren, Lane and Talyn Rae Perez; brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul and Jessica Averitt and David and Amy Averitt; sister, Wanda Islet; mother-in-law, Louise "Meme" Newman; sister-in-law, Gayle Newman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Tommy Gene Newman, and father-in-law George Tommy Newman. Memorial contributions may be given to Good Hope Cemetery fund % of Louise Newmann, 8002 FM 390 North, Brenham, Texas 77833 Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.