Ray Joseph Belsley was born in New York City on February 19, 1951 to Ray Charles Belsley and Florence Elizabeth (Betty) Ashcraft Belsley. He died on November 29, 2015 in Houston, TX. He graduated from Westchester High School in Houston in 1969 and Stephen F. Austin State University in 1975 with a degree in communications. While Ray worked at Gordon Jewelers, he met co-worker and his future wife, Louise Britton. They married in July 1980. Ray went back to school and became a certified respiratory therapist. This choice was fitting because he had struggled as a child with severe asthma. Ray worked in several hospitals in Houston. Ray also took classes in sleep disorders and worked in a sleep lab, which was another example of his interest in the medical field and his desire to help others. Ray enjoyed traveling, being with family, and sharing his sense of humor.
Ray was a man of courage and perseverance. Ray and Louise were both diagnosed with cancer just weeks apart. Louise passed away in October 2014. Ray fought pancreatic cancer for almost three years without complaint. He also showed aplomb as he struggled with heart and kidney disease, diabetes, myasthenia gravis and his loss of Louise.
He is survived by his brothers and their wives: Scott and Benita of Richardson, TX; Michael and Sherri of Friendswood, TX; and Kevin and Joanne of Manchaca, TX. He is also survived by his three nieces, two nephews and other extended family. The family appreciates the wonderful care given to Ray by Alice, Carla, Martika and Sheila.
The family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015, in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where funeral services will begin in the chapel at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Bill Cole officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
For those desiring, memorial contributions in Ray's name may be made to a charity of your choice.