Brian Ray Salas

Brian “Ray” Salas

Ray Salas, 77, of Boling, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024. He was born on April 25, 1947, in Bay City, Texas to the late Ben and Rosie Smith Salas.

 Ray was raised in Pledger and graduated from Boling High School with the class of 1965. He continued his education at Wharton County Junior College before honorably serving our country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era as a mechanic on B-52 bombers and KC 130 cargo planes. Ray married Peggy Cook on June 13, 1973, celebrating 49 years together before she preceded him in death. Ray retired after working his whole life as a farmer, rancher and mechanic by trade. He was very knowledgeable about cattle and spent many years on horseback. He was happiest being outside and taking every opportunity to aggravate his grandchildren, all in good fun. He enjoyed hunting, tending to his cattle and a good drink in the evenings. In addition to his parents, wife and several siblings, he was also preceded in death by two of his granddaughters, Brooke and Morgan Salas.

Ray is survived by his sons, Kevin Salas and wife, Melissa of Pledger, and Danny Salas and wife, Linda of Victoria, and his daughter, Sara Schoeneberg and husband, Buck of Pledger. His grandchildren, Kate Salas, Chloe and Wyatt Schoeneberg and Kristen Miller Kilburg will miss their fun, always picking PawPaw most of all. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews that loved their Favorite Uncle Ray. He will be missed by his brother Wayne, and his sisters Sandra Stavinoha and Elaine Broll. Ray was respected and loved by many with his bright blue eyes, unforgettable smile and witty comebacks. He will be dearly missed. 

Scott Salas, Ben Salas, Matthew Salas, and Dale Prochaska with Kevin Salas and Danny Salas will serve as pallbearers. Buck Schoeneberg will officiate the graveside services. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 3:30 pm at Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brooke and Morgan Salas Memorial Scholarship Fund at Prosperity Bank in Wharton in his memory. 

Funeral services are under the direct supervision of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com