Ray Stewart Harper, 73, passed away Friday, November 27, 2020. Ray was born July 24, 1947, to Arthur A. Harper, Jr. and Geraldine Plant Harper. He attended school in Martindale, TX, then transferred to San Marcos schools. He graduated from SMHS in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967, including serving one year in the Aleutian Islands. He married Mary Beth Harper in July 1970. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Following his military discharge, Ray owned an Exxon service station in San Marcos. This was when the attendant would put gas in your car, check the oil, and clean the windshield. In addition, he farmed and ranched near Martindale.
Ray’s interests included tinkering with old trucks, tractors, and airplanes. As a kid Ray and Dudley won many trophies for Go-Kart races. Later, Ray participated in tractor pulls around Central Texas. Ray took pilot lessons, earning several certifications including aircraft maintenance. He joined the CAF and flew in many Air shows around the country. Ray completely restored a Cessna 182 in which he and Mary Beth enjoyed many flying vacations around the US.
