Ray Strickel

Ray Strickel passed away in Austin, Texas, on Friday, September 15, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born October 18. 1940, to Jediah Edward Strickel and Alta Louise Johnson in Austin, Texas. Ray grew up in Mineral Wells and Plainview, Texas, graduating from Plainview H.S. in 1959. He received his B.S. from the University of North Texas and later his M.S. from the University of Houston- Clear Lake.

Ray spent 38 years in education, 36 of those serving Texas City I.S.D., as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He became the principal of Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary in 1989 and for the next 13 years developed a special relationship with his staff and students while helping the school achieve academic success and high ratings. He received the T.C. Administrator of the Year Award in 2001 and was honored by Region IV as an outstanding administrator.

He was a member of the T.C. Kiwanis Club, serving as its President and Vice President, and The T.C. Rotary Club awarded him its Vocational Award for “Service Above Self.”

Ray retired in 2002 and moved to Austin where he and Joann volunteered with Meals on Wheels. They enjoyed having season tickets to many Texas Longhorn sports and traveling with friends to out of town events. He was a real fan! They also enjoyed many cruises.

He is survived by his wife Joann; daughter Jessica of Austin; son Doug and wife Pam of Ruston LA; and son David and partner Michael Di Marco of Palm Springs, CA.; two grandchildren, Ty and wife Lindsay, and Hope; and great-granddaughter, Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Charlie Strickel and Eddie Strickel.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Emken Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, with a service on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston after a brief reception at the Doyle Center.

Pallbearers include Jimmy Dyda, Dick Carter, Ty Strickel, Michael Di Marco, Pat Sweeney, and Brian Sweeney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Austin Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.