BRACK (VETERAN), JOHN RAY - Dallas County, Texas | JOHN RAY BRACK (VETERAN) - Texas Gravestone Photos

John Ray BRACK (VETERAN)

Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park (aka Hillcrest Memorial Park) Cemetery
Dallas County,
Texas

US Navy
March 4, 1923 - Feb 25, 2008

Section: Mausoleum Garden

*Obituary

BRACK,, JOHN RAYMOND "RAY" Died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 25, 2008. Hardly a man walked the Earth with as much grace, style, and zeal. He made incomparable impressions on all who were blessed to meet him - a unique force of life that will be remembered and celebrated. Ray was born to Fred and Dorothy Brack on March 4, 1923, in La Rosa, Venezuela. Fred drilled oil wells in Borneo, Lake Maracaibo, Sherwood Forest, Spain and Trinidad where the family lived for 12 years. With WWII threatening, they moved to Amarillo, Texas in 1937. Ray graduated from Canyon High School and attended Colorado School of Mines, but enlisted in the Navy Air Corps in 1943 serving as an Ensign flying fighter planes. He believed that the opportunity and training he received from the Navy set a new course for his life and he always acknowledged this time with respect and appreciation. After being discharged in 1946, he enrolled in the University of Texas School of Petroleum Engineering and graduated in 1949. He was a very proud Longhorn and was always happy to receive a new piece of memorabilia at Christmas. He was an active supporter of the School of Petroleum Engineering and served on the Dean's committee to improve relations with students at the University. Ray had a very successful career as a Petroleum Engineer and took a great deal of pride in his work. His first positions were as the District Reservoir Engineer for the Ohio Oil Company and Forrest Oil Company in Midland, Texas and then Calgary, Alberta. He returned to Dallas in 1967 to join American Petrofina and Universal Resources Oil Company. He served as Vice President of Terrapet Ltd. Engineering until retiring in 1984. He was an excellent Engineer, but was also known for his ability to work well with people. Ray was highly regarded for his sense of fairness and his ethics were impeccable. He served as President of the Midland American Institute of Mechanical Engineers, President of the Dallas Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers, and on the National Committee for Evaluation Standards of the Journal of Petroleum Technology. An important part of Ray's life centered on serving others. As a young man in San Fernando, Trinidad, he attained Queen's Scout rank in Sea Scouts. As an adult, he served as Scoutmaster of Midland's Troop 67 Boy Scouts and unofficial co-leader of the Girl Scout Troop. The stories he told around a campfire are still remembered by some of the boys and girls, who repeat them to their children. Ray also served on the Vestry of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Midland and was a lay reader. He gave many years as an usher at St. Michael and All Angels in Dallas. Personally, Ray loved fly fishing and "being where the fish are." He traveled extensively, loved soccer, and listening to his radio. On one trip he was able to locate the site of the oil well his father drilled in Sherwood Forest. One grandson called him "Indiana Grandad" because of his adventurous spirit. He wrote books about his father's daring life, his own life and the early years of his children's lives. Young people wanted to talk to him because he gave each person his ear and his undivided attention. He made a lasting impression on everyone that he came across which grew exponentially the longer you were with him. He was a masterful story-teller and used words in rare ways that could capture anyone's eager attention. Ray was also a curious person who loved to learn about people - he would seek out strangers and make them instantly feel welcome. To his family, "Grandad" was revered and adored for his generous and thoughtful attention and the unique ways that he demonstrated his love. He was full of surprises and could warmly express himself - he craved knowledge himself and happily shared what he knew with others. He was a very generous man, but the greatest gift he gave was his conversation. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine Blair Brack, his children David Brack and wife Helena, Nancy Brack Leming, and Ken Brack and his wife Suzy; grandchildren Jennifer Brack Espinola and husband Wayne, Kevin Brack, Johnathan Leming and wife Kate, Marcus Leming, Emily Brack, and Bennett Bascombe and husband Simon; great-granddaughter Mary Kathryn Leming, and great-grandson Morley Bascombe. Pallbearers will be nephews Ronald Ross, James R. Ross, Brandon Ross, John Brack, Leonard Brack and David Shroyer. Honorary pallbearers will be W. R. Aufritch, Lee Buehrer, Dean Fellows, John C. Reed, R. D. Rinehart and Tignor Thompson. Funeral services will be at St. Michael and All Angels Chapel on Thursday, February 28 at 2:00pm. Burial service will immediately follow at Sparkman Hillcrest. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Boy Scouts of America and Salvation Army. Dignity Memorial Sparkman Hillcrest 7405 W. Northwest Hwy. Dallas (214) 363-5401

Published in Dallas Morning News on Feb. 26, 2008.

Photo courtesy of Annette Shaw

Contributed on 2/3/21 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 385708

Location/GPS: View Map

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Additional BRACK Surnames in SPARKMAN HILLCREST MEMORIAL PARK (AKA HILLCREST MEMORIAL PARK) Cemetery

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Submitted: 2/3/21 • Approved: 2/6/21 • Last Updated: 2/9/21 • R385708-G0-S3

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