Raymond Lee Grayless, 83, of Richmond, TX, began his heavenly eternal life on Monday, August 2, 2021, after a brief illness. He was born October 10, 1937, in Richmond, TX, and was a lifelong member of the community. Raymond married Melinda Jane Worthington on August 19, 1960, in his beloved church home, First Baptist Church of Richmond, where he served in various roles throughout his life including deacon, treasurer and trustee. During their 61 years together, they were blessed with two sons and a daughter, and later welcomed two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law and four grandchildren. Raymond's greatest pride was his children and grandchildren: David and Kathy Grayless of Longview, Dixon and Pam Grayless of The Woodlands and their daughters Ashley and Emily, and Dyan and Mike Hudson of Kyle and their children Gordon Lee and Loryn.

Raymond was a member of the first graduating class of Lamar Consolidated High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University. He worked at Hughes Tool Company after obtaining his degree in statistics, then moved on to Shell Oil where he spent the remainder of his professional career as a systems analyst. He was proud that his son David chose a career at Shell as well.

After 30 years at Shell, Raymond retired to the golf course in 1991 as a member of Fort Bend Country Club and was able to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip, three times, to The Masters Tournament with his son Dixon. He continued to enjoy a monthly dinner club with his golfing buddies and their wives long after giving up his golf clubs. Raymond also loved football in the fall. He watched his Baylor Bears on television, followed his son-in-law Mike's coaching career and attended as many of his games as he could, and spent countless hours studying and managing his fantasy football team to dominate his son's league every year.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Grayless and Beatrice Stewart Grayless of Richmond. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, his brother Robert Grayless and wife Mary Ann, nephew Jeff Grayless and wife Julissa, nephew Bobby Grayless and wife Michelle, and many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Honorary pallbearers were chosen as representatives from the most important groups in Raymond's life. Family: Gordon Lee Hudson, Mike Hudson, Jeff Grayless, Bobby Grayless and Mark Grayless; Church family: Dr. David Partridge, Dan Bishop, Thana Mitchell and Sandy Bills; Golf family: Pete Hughes and Joe Thomason; and Children's friends who became family: Kirby Nelson and Charlie Davis.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Raymond's life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021, at First Baptist Church, 502 S. 5th Street, Richmond, TX 77469 , with lunch following in the fellowship hall. Friends are welcome to attend the Graveside Service at 10 AM Saturday, prior to the Memorial Service, at Morton Cemetery in Richmond.

Visitation will be 5 - 7 PM Friday, August 6, 2021, at First Baptist Church, 502 S 5th Street, Richmond, TX 77469 .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Richmond General Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As a dedicated blood and platelet donor for many years, Raymond would also appreciate blood and platelet donations in his memory to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, www.giveblood.org .

Condolence messages may be written for the Grayless family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.