Wayland “Ray” Hardison

Longtime Grosebeck area resident Wayland “Ray” Hardison, 89, passed away on Dec. 26, 2023, at the Oklahoma Veteran’s Center Nursing Home, Claremore, OK. Ray was born on Jan. 16, 1934, in LaSalle, TX to Alvis Ray (Babe) and Mozelle Hardison. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of over 46 years Donna Mae Hardison, his brother, Larry Hugh Hardison, and great-grandson Trevor Blundell. He is survived by his children, Donald Ray Hardison (wife Debra), Donna Rene Clark, and James Patrick Hardison (wife Peggy), sisters Lynda Beth Pate (husband Bob) and Alice Vondaine White, 6 grandchildren, 6 greatgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

After graduating High School in Grosebeck where he spent most of his youth, Ray served 4 years in the US Air Force from August 1952 until October 1956.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Ray experienced a variety of professions including Iron Work on the bridge over the Panama Canal, and several skyscrapers in Chicago, IL; an insurance salesman; and several law enforcement positions including a police officer in Beaumont Texas, an LT with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, the Chief of Police in Cedar Park, TX, the Chief Criminal Investigator with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Georgetown, TX, and Justice of the Peace, Limestone County, TX. Most recently Ray was a hay farmer in LaSalle, TX.

Ray will always be known for his vast repertoire of stories, jokes, and love of his family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the LaSalle Cemetery where he will be buried next to his loving wife.