Howard Ray Dark obituary and July 12th memorial service

t is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend, Howard Ray Dark. Ray left this world peacefully on June 24, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on April 23, 1947, in Tyler, TX, Ray lived a life full of integrity, hard work, and deep devotion to his family, community, and country. He was known for his strength, sharp wit, and boundless generosity-always putting others before himself.

Ray served his country from 1966 to 1969 as part of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, with a deployment to Vietnam. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, Airborne Jump Wings, the Recon Flash, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

After his military service, Ray dedicated 30 years to Kelley Springfield and spent countless hours volunteering for various causes. He was a proud member of the Sharon Shrine, where he served in the Clown Unit and the Oriental Band Unit, helping raise funds for sick and injured children.

Ray's love for his family and community never wavered. He found joy in coaching Little League Baseball for his sons and he attended events, and gatherings for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren including spending countless dollars for school fundraisers. His passion for NASCAR also led him to attend races at Talladega for 30 years, an annual tradition he cherished.

Above all, Ray was a man of love and loyalty. His unwavering support shaped the lives of his family and friends, and his legacy will live on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.

Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 47 years, Delores Dark; children Suzanne Fisher, James Barton, Amy Chandler (Jeff), Tara Haney (Dave), and Josh Dark (Candi); grandchildren Eric Dark (Kristina), Jacob Fisher (Olivia), Adam Fisher (Victoria), Dustin Spence, Dylan Spence (Chloe), Ryan Haney, Rhett Haney, Hailey Wingfield, Justin Wingfield (Raven), Austin Wingfield (Laney), and Taylor Dark; great-grandchildren Phenix Fisher, Alexander Fisher, Lilly Dark, and Jax Wingfield; brothers Bobby Dark (wife and children) and Joe Dark (wife and children); and numerous cousins and extended family members, all of whom will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Wade Dark and Lois Christine Roycroft Dark.

Though Ray is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched, and he will be forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Memorial Service will be July 12, 2025 at 2:00pm at Sharon Shrine in Tyler, TX.

Plant a tree in memory of Howard Ray Dark

// (rai)

Ray Dark passed June 24 at 1:19 p.m. in a Dallas hospital in which he had been undergoing treatment for heart issues.

Ray and Delores helped get the JTHS65 Reunion held on May 10, 2025 where many of our classmates goy to interact with him for the last.

Many of us owe Ray Dark a debt of gratitude and thanks for his military service, including a tour in Vietnam; his local community service; his help with our JTHS65 Classmate Reunions and only God & Delores know how much he gave unselfishly to others.

RIP my Friend  

(rai)