Raymond W. Feight, Sr.

Those who spent time with Raymond W. Feight, Sr. felt closer to the presence of our Lord and Savior. Ray’s power of prayer was truly legendary, and his deep love for living a life anchored in faith was felt by everyone around him. Scripture was embedded in his heart, and while his walk with the Lord was steady and disciplined, what drew people in was the warmth, humility, and compassion with which he carried it. Many found healing and peace through Ray’s faith and the way he lifted their needs to God. Ray’s mission field was often his work. As a master craftsman, he was admired by young contractors who came to know Jesus through their fellowship with him on the job. He freely gave his time, talents, and gifts to the elderly, to those in need, and to ministries dedicated to restoring lives. With a deep devotion to counseling the brokenhearted, Ray walked alongside countless people on their spiritual journeys, offering encouragement, strength, and discipleship. He was devoted to speaking the Word of Life and uplifting the hearts of all who encountered his caring and faithful spirit. Deeply admired by those around him, he was often chosen to officiate life’s most meaningful ceremonies, trusted for his rare ability to communicate scripture in a way that was both timeless and deeply personal.

We gather to remember and celebrate Ray Sr., 83, of Waco, who passed from a broken heart on August 21, 2025 just eleven days after tragically losing his son, Russell. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at OakCrest Funeral Home from 6–8 pm. A sunrise graveside ceremony will follow on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Bosqueville Cemetery at 8 am, officiated by Pastor Wayne Williams. Following the service, all are welcome to join a celebration of life taking place at 42 Independence Trail, Waco, TX.

Born on June 21, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland, to Simon and Maybelle Feight, Ray grew up surrounded by love and the companionship of siblings who affectionately called him “Buddy.” He had a passion for soccer and gymnastics, pursuits that reflected his energy and discipline and later led him into competitive boxing during his honorable service in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a mail clerk at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. While stationed aboard a destroyer in the Atlantic Ocean at age 21, he witnessed the nation’s grief firsthand as Commander in Chief, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

His final assignment brought him to NAVAC in Antigua, where he met the love of his life, Connie JoAnn (Morse) Feight. Connie, the daughter of missionaries, was helping her family lead services at the Navy base. Ray first heard her beautiful singing voice and she instantly captured his heart. Together with Navy friends, Ray joined Connie’s family in building a church ministry that still stands today. Ray and Connie married in Antigua and soon returned to the United States, where they became parents to their first baby boy, Ray Jr., then came Robert, Julie, Joy, and Russell.

Ray began his career teaching woodshop at a small school in Waco, which soon led him into carpentry. With an entrepreneurial heart, he enlisted the help of his five children in the backyard woodshop, crafting plant holders to sell at the weekend market. Their reward was gathering around a small 1970s portable television to watch Billy Graham, and then the Dallas Cowboys (in that order). Over time, Ray became a master craftsman, building custom homes, businesses, and establishments throughout Waco and beyond.

Beyond his craft of carpentry, Ray was an extremely gifted writer, published poet, and self-published author. He left his children daily journal entries spanning years, a treasure of wisdom and reflection for them to cherish. He was also an avid golfer, had the greenest of green thumbs, and took great pleasure in nature, feeding birds and watching as they gathered at his front porch. He had a special bond with “Itty Bitty,” a doe who would often visit for an ear rub and deer corn, a testament to Ray’s gentle spirit and love for all of God’s creations.

Ray devoted his life to studying the Word of God and living it out daily. He was a devoted father and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to celebrate the milestones of his children and grandchildren with pride and love. A simple man of profound faith, he held the Ten Commandments close to his heart and lived each day with knowledge, humility, and steady presence. His love for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit guided everything he did, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him, near and far. His legacy for the Kingdom will be carried out for generations to come.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Feight; sister, Judy Akin; brother, Samuel Feight; children, Ray Feight, Jr. (wife Monica), Robert Feight, Julie Feight, and Joy (husband Lin Elliott); daughter-in-law, Jenna Feight; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Maybelle Feight; brother, Bobby Feight; sisters, Virginia Brooks, Rhoda Jackson, and Mary Aspinwall; and son, Russell Feight. Pallbearers are Ray Feight, Jr., Robert Feight, Lin Elliott, Scott Walton, Cody Feight, and Zachary Feight. Junior Pallbearers are Chasyn Feight, Elijah Elliott, and Canon Feight.

Jesus, the Master Carpenter, shaped Ray as he followed in His footsteps, becoming a master carpenter as well. His heart clung to Isaiah 49, the chapter given to him the day he gave his life to the Lord.

We would like to thank the remarkable doctors, nurses and support staff at the V.A. Hospital, Baylor Scott & White and Interim Health Care for their very loving and compassionate care they bestowed upon Ray and our family throughout his journey.