Raymond Stanley Covall went home with his Savior Jesus Christ, Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Ray Covall was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, January 29, 1923 of parents Yadiga Shablinskar and Stasis Kovalouskas, who were Lithuanian immigrants.
Ray was a student at Worcester School through Commerce High during which he enlisted in the Army Air Force Reserve Corps and was called up at graduation to active duty in training for glider pilot. He and many of the recruits attended Holy Cross College, Air Force School and graduated on September 11, 1942, licensed as Army Air Force commercial pilots.
Ordered to glider training in Texas at Hamilton, Texas, he later transferred to Waco Air Force Base pending further orders, during which time he joined the Air Force Golden Gloves Boxing Team representing Waco Air Force Base. He boxed his way to the final at Ft. Worth as a substitute in his weight class.
Ray met the love of his life in Dallas at the Lakewood Country Club Christmas, where the membership held a dance for servicemen and hosted by the daughters of the members. A dance at the meeting led to many more visits to Dallas and to Lois Elaine, which resulted in 66 years of love and companionship unequaled anywhere! Ray was a very good dancer, which captured Lois’ heart.
Upon his release from the Air Force he returned to Dallas upon request from his new employer to travel southwest Texas in sales. Here he met “the good old Texas people,” and their warm and friendly ways. In time he was transferred to Dallas, at which time he received an undeniable offer from First National Bank—installment department—which was accepted. Every day was a new adventure, which lasted until retirement—thirty years later!
Ray Covall was a kind, gentle man. He loved the beauty of the lakes and streams of Glasgow, Scotland, Great Britain where he flyfished hours on end. He loved his Lord and attended Grace Bible Church, then Believers Chapel since 1954. He was introduced to the Lord through the teaching of Dr. S. Lewis Johnson, professor of the Dallas Theological Seminary.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, and his only brother Stanley. After Lois died, Ray benefitted beyond words from the kindnesses and friendship of two neighbors in particular—Sonja and John. Without their guidance, active help, and friendship, his life could have crumbled. No one expected these two, very different, neighbors to provide to him the care and concern that they demonstrated repeatedly. But, in a way, Ray’s wellbeing was their separate mission. Ray was deeply grateful for every minute of their neighborly concern, and of their remarkable friendship and guidance. Few people have benefitted as much over such a period as Ray benefitted from Sonja and John who took the time to turn concern into action.
Ray did love his Savior, and whenever he was asked, “How are you?” he would reply, “The good Lord is taking good care of me.” He is now with that good Lord and also with his beloved Lois, both of whom have taken good care of him.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 11 A.M., at Believers Chapel, 6420 Churchill Way, Dallas, Texas 75230. If you wish to make a donation in Ray’s memory, please contribute to the charity of your choice.