Ray Mize

Lindell Ray Mize, known to his family as sweetheart, Dad, Poppy, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, left this earth on September 9, 2026. He suffered a stroke on Labor Day, September 7, from which he never regained consciousness.

Ray was born November 30, 1941, in Lamesa to Horace Edward and Ruby Pearl (Thurman) Mize. He spent his early years in West Texas, where his father was a farmer, before the family settled in Meridian during Ray’s second-grade year. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1960, where he played football and ran track all four years.

Shortly after graduation, Ray joined the Texas National Guard, serving from December 22, 1960, through February 20, 1966, and earning the rank of SGT E5.

He worked as a surveyor, electronics technician, and production manager before returning to electronics. He retired for the first time in 2007, but retirement and Ray quickly discovered they were not a good match. So, he went back to work and finally—really and truly this time—retired in June 2025.

Ray and Debbie (Parrish) were married August 31, 1972, after a whirlwind two-month courtship. They went on to spend 54 years and one week together. Through the years, they completely remodeled one home and renovated their current home in Meridian.

Ray took great pride in being a Jack of All Trades. If he didn’t know how to do something, that was only a temporary problem; he would figure it out. He loved gardening, studying the Bible, and learning new things. He also worked hard to become a Mason and proudly joined Fidelis Lodge 1127.

More than anything, Ray loved his family. He leaves behind his wife, Debbie, of Meridian; daughters Lori Bainborough and husband Tony of Cedar Park, Bethany Lee and husband Matt of Burleson, and Miranda Gibby and husband James of Hewitt; grandchildren Jade Meridith and husband Jordan of Austin, Chara Lee and Zach Lee of Burleson; sister Fern Harris of Burleson; sisters-in-law Cynthia Gann Swor of Meridian and Donna Allen and husband Jimmie of Lorena; his more-than-brothers-in-nephews Gary Goolsby and wife Betty of Kingsland and Terry Goolsby of Waco; many nieces and nephews; and his “brotha,” Trey Shaw and wife Robin of Woodway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Pearl Mize, and his sister, Jo Goolsby.

Ray lived a life of hard work, curiosity, faith, family, and service. He fixed things, built things, grew things, learned things, and, much to Debbie’s delight and occasional frustration, rarely sat still. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Ray’s memorial service will be Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Meridian, Texas.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home 254-435-2792.