Ray Eldon Braswell, Sr.

Ray Eldon Braswell Sr. 1933 - 2025

Ray Eldon Braswell Sr., age 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 17, 2025. He was born on May 23, 1933, in Vernon, Texas, to Johnie and Elsie Braswell. He was the third child in a family of six with one brother, Johnie Jr., and two sisters – Virginia and Wanda.

Ray graduated from Monahans High School in 1951 where he was active in football, basketball, track, and marching band; and was selected by the student body as a senior class favorite. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Sul Ross State University in 1965 and a Master’s Degree from Texas Tech University in 1969.

On February 17, 1953, he married the love of his life Jacklyn McClellan and celebrated 66 years of marriage, prior to her passing in 2019. Together, they had two sons - Ray Jr. (Cydney) and Bobby (Kay), and two daughters – Jenny Abbott (Danny) and Wendy Hines (Larry). Ray became a career educator in the Ector County Independent School District where he spent 27 years teaching math to junior high students at Crockett Junior High School. His career defining moment was when he was honored by the students at Crockett as they dedicated the yearbook in his honor in only his fourth year of teaching. He was often remembered as a “teacher ahead of his time” for his ability to connect with all students in a warm and nurturing classroom while maintaining high expectations for student success. He knew how to challenge, motivate, and care for his junior high school age students. He was a natural.

Ray enjoyed being surrounded by his family of four children, seven grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren. His passions were tending to his large vegetable garden behind his West Odessa home, and later in retirement, building wood furniture from his home/woodshop in Alto, New Mexico.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Johnie and Elsie; his wife of 66 years, Jackie; his sisters, Virginia (Nichols) and Wanda (McAnally); his brother, Johnie Jr.; and his daughter, Wendy (Hines).

Funeral services and burial will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E. Business 20, Odessa, Texas 79762 with the Reverend, and son, Robert “Bobby” Braswell officiating.