Gregory Paul "Greg" Ray, 69 years old, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024, after a nearly two-year battle with cancer.  Greg was born May 26, 1955, in Cuero to parents Alma and Earl Ray, lifelong residents of Cuero.  Greg grew up in Cuero, attended Cuero High School, and participated in the Cuero High School band.  During his work career, Greg began working in the Central and South Texas oil fields as a derrickman for several years.  Greg then became a certified welder, working on many of the power plants throughout the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Greg's passions were guitars, guns, drag racing and vintage motorcycles.  Greg's first love was music.  He primarily played bass guitar throughout his life and performed with many local bands in the Houston area for nearly 30 years.  He and fellow blues musicians traveled to Europe, where the musicians played at many local festivals throughout France and Western Germany.

Greg's passion for guns and gun collecting extended to his licensing as a certified Texas and NRA Firearms Instructor, where he assisted many gun owners in learning gun safety, gun care and earning their handgun licensing.

As a drag racing and motorcycle enthusiast, he rarely missed any opportunity to be at the NHRA nationals or a classic motorcycle/car show.

Most recently, with advanced cancer, he worked tirelessly restoring motorcycles, ultimately winning "Best in Show" for his restoration of a 1952 Harley Davidson Panhead at a regional motorcycle and car show this past month.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Earl Ray and Alma Moore Ray; and brothers, Bobby Earl Ray and Sidney Lynn Ray.

Greg is survived by his sister, Carol Ray Watson and her husband, Tommy Watson of Cuero and brother, Jeff Ray and his wife Catalina Delgado-Ray of San Antonio.  He is also survived by many incredible nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carol and Jeff are especially grateful to our family members and the health care personnel who assisted with constant care for Greg during the past year.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2 PM at Freund Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 1 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hillside cemetery.  Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to attend a reception at First Baptist Church, Cuero.

Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers include family members, Joaquin, Tim and Gary Ray; Nolen, Trey, Brady, Trent and Thomas Watson; Macon Thomas; Dudley Wayne Garrett and Reagan Ra'pe; and, lifelong friends, Paul Wauson and Paul Ross.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas, Cuero Education Foundation or Donor's Choice.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home (361) 275-2343.