Otis Ray Morphew of Reno, Texas, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Centennial in Frisco, Texas, following complications during heart surgery. Ray, as he was commonly known, was 85. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Bright-Holland Funeral Home in Paris, Texas. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Paris with the Rev. Raymundo Garcia officiating. Lunch will be served at the church following the service. Private burial will be made in Evergreen Cemetery. Ray was born Feb. 6, 1938, to Otis Merle and Louise Morphew in Roxton, Texas. He married Consuelo “Connie” Rodriguez on July 10, 1967, in Durant, Oklahoma. They renewed their vows of marriage in the Catholic Church on April 8, 1995. She preceded him in death Oct. 30, 2013, following 46 years of marriage. Over the years Ray and Connie became proud godparents to many children at Our Lady of Victory. After a career in wholesale product sales Ray was employed for several years at the Sara Lee baking facility in Paris. Ray discovered his artistic talent in childhood and became an accomplished self-taught artist. His portraits of country music stars once adorned the walls of the legendary Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, Texas. He was not just a fan of country and western music, but also was fascinated by the Old West and western history. He turned his talents to writing in later years and self-published several western novels. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Glenn Morphew of Corsicana, Texas. Survivors include children William “Willy” Ray Morphew and wife Cathy of Paris; Angie Brandon and husband Stuart of Flint, Texas; and Christopher Lee Morphew and wife Kennette of Diana, Texas; a brother, Bill Lamb and wife Hermie of Paris; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and loving friend Jackie Garner of Reno. In lieu of flowers the family requests that anyone consider making memorials to assist with medical and burial costs via the Otis Ray Morphew Memorial Fund, c/o First Federal Community Bank, 630 Clarksville St., Paris, Texas, 75460.
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