Lt. Col. Merle Ray Andrews USAF, Retired, 92, peacefully “slipped the surly bonds of earth,” with his family by his side, on July 22, 2020.
Merle Ray Andrews (aka Andy) was born on January 8, 1928, in Salem, Indiana to John Asa and Mary Bedell Andrews. After the untimely death of his mother, his father remarried Fannie Marie Davidson and they continued to raise the family on a farm in Rutland, Illinois. Ray had a keen ear and aptitude for music and easily picked up both the trumpet and singing early on in his life.
Ray studied for 3 years at Illinois Wesleyan University and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Indiana University in 1950. He went on to teach band in rural Illinois, until the skies beckoned him to become an aviation cadet in 1952. On Sept. 16, 1953, he earned his wings and entered the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant. During these early years of his military career he was also in the Air Force Band at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
While stationed in San Marcos, Texas, he started a jazz band, moonlighting and “gigging” in Austin. There he met the love of his life, Joyce (Cunningham). They married on May 25, 1956. During his years of military service Ray, Joyce, and their daughters Kathleen, Elizabeth and Allyson, lived throughout the United States and on the island of Okinawa. Ray also served a remote tour of duty in Korea during the Pueblo Crisis. His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Air Forces Longevity Service Award. Ray’s final assignment was at the Headquarters of the United States Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington DC, where he received the Meritorious Service Medal. After over 22 years of service Ray honorably retired from the Air Force on June 30,1973.
Upon retirement, Ray and his family moved to Houston,Texas where he taught Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at Jersey Village High School. He also opened his own business, Ray’s Flying Service, where he brokered private aircraft and provided all levels of instruction to countless budding pilots, including all three of his daughters. In his spare time, he substitute taught band, orchestra and choir for the Cy-Fair Independent School District and was a member of the choir at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal and Lakewood Methodist churches. During those busy years, Ray also held civic leadership positions in the Norchester Homeowners Association. Fourth of July festivities were always “over the top” with aviation flyovers, firework shows and patriotic bands, coordinated by Ray.
Eventually, Ray sold his flight school business and he and Joyce moved to Austin, Texas, to be near their daughter Allyson, and her family. Ever the music educator, he substitute taught band, orchestra and choir for the Round Rock Independent School District and was an active member of the Hope Presbyterian Church choir. He auditioned and landed a tenor role in Austin Symphony’s annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah, as well as performed in local barbershop quartets. Grandpa Ray (aka Paw Paw) enjoyed tutoring his grandchildren in music, academic studies, driving and dating, always ready with a sympathetic ear, a witty quip or a wise parable to guide them.
After 12 years in Austin, Ray and Joyce decided to strike out on another adventure and moved to Helena, Montana, to be near their daughter, Elizabeth. They joined Helena’s First Presbyterian Church and, soon thereafter, Ray joined the choir. He was also a member of Helena New Horizons Concert Band, with whom he had the opportunity to perform the “Carnival of Venice” when he was 90. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, taking road trips with Joyce and visiting his favorite spot along the North Fork of the Blackfoot River where, on any given warm summer evening, one might hear his trumpet rendition of “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.” In fact, no matter where Ray traveled he had his trumpet in hand, eager to capture the natural beauty of the moment with music.
Throughout his life, Ray inspired an appreciation for music and flying among his family, friends and community and had a great sense of wonder, beauty and humor. His bright smile emanated from a heart full of love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, music, flying and a life well lived.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Andrews, stepmother Fannie Andrews and siblings Glenn, John and Ruth. Ray is survived by his sisters Joy, Anna Mae and stepsister Mary Lou; his children Kathleen (and husband, Don) Mills, Elizabeth Andrews and Allyson (and husband, Scott) Tinker; 7 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and 2 step great grandchildren.
A private family Blessing of the Ashes Memorial was held and filmed on August 29, 2020 at the Helena First Presbyterian Church (see Tribute Video below) and Interment of the Ashes will occur at the IOOC in Georgetown, Texas in April 2021.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Tonna Strasko says
Ray, your smile, your music, and your caring for Joyce – I will always remember.
God be with your family.
Angel says
Colonel Ray,
I will miss you.
Joy Edgar says
Ray was one of the most all around talented and fine friends I have ever had the privilege to sing in the choir with, as well as listen to him play the trumpet, see how he cared for his wife, Joyce and many others. He will be greatly missed, but I am thankful that he’s not suffering and he’s with the Lord. He and Joyce were very dear friends to me and Joyce still is. May God bless his family.
Butch and Pearle Plowman says
Fly with the Angel’s, and play that trumpet with Gabriel, Ray. We will miss you here, but you have been a faithful follower of Christ and are now reaping the rewards.
Allyson Andrews Tinker says
Dad –
Missing your Thumbs Up positivity and think about you daily! Thanks for tipping your wings to us up there – We see you!
MARY PIPES says
Uncle Ray,
You were always such a cheerful presence at our family gatherings. I also thought you were like a movie star, the handsome, musically gifted pilot! We will miss you terribly, but hold on to wonderful memories. Sending love to all of your family.
Melanie Carlin says
I am blessed to know both Ray and Joyce. Ray will certainly be missed.
Debbie Taylor says
Ray, a joyful soul and wise teacher that I know is missed dearly. Thank you for sharing the beautiful tribute. He holds a special place in my heart. My prayers are with the entire family. All my love, Debbie