First Lieutenant Clovis Tim Ray of Three Rivers, Texas, died on March 15, 2012, while leading his U.S. Army infantry platoon in the notorious Kunar Province in Afghanistan. A native Texan, Clovis was killed when enemy insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was 34.
Clovis, a loving father, husband, son, brother, and dear friend to many, was born to Army Captain Bob Ben Ray, Sr., D.D.S. and Cecilia Kim Ray on July 6, 1977 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1995.
Fellow Lieutenants James and Baca and First Sergeant Bartel, all serving with Clovis in Afghanistan, had the following comments: “He was the best motivational speaker I have ever met. Every patrol that I went on with 3D I was pumped up from his energy …. He motivated everyone from the moment he arrived. His energy and enthusiasm was contagious … Clovis was the most vibrant officer I had ever met. He energized everyone around him especially with his charismatic speeches during patrol briefs. He was always grateful for anything you did for him, and would graciously thank you with a thunderous hand shake and the utmost sincerity in his voice. He was a great man and an amazing friend. Clovis, you will be extremely missed.”
His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), Purple Heart (posthumous), two Army Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal (posthumous), Combat Infantry Badge and Parachutist Badge.
Clovis is survived by his wife Shannon and son Dean, parents Dr. Bob Ben Ray Sr., D.D.S and Cecilia Kim Ray, twin brother Ed (Kristine) Ray of Houston, TX, brother [the late] Bob Ben Ray Jr. of Three Rivers, and sister Jennifer Ray, M.D. (Lincoln) of Denver, Colorado, paternal grandparents [the late] Clovis Ray and Lillian Ray of Calliham, Texas, nephews Jakob and Lucas, and nieces Madeleine and Sophie, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a family of friends.
Clovis, we are forever in your gratitude for your ultimate sacrifice to our country. With your passing, our country lost a courageous american soldier and loved one. We salute you and will always remember you.
Rest in Peace.