Verle Cray

Verle "Coach" Cray, 90, went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2023.
Mr. Cray was born in Wellman, IA to the late Richard Harvey Cray and Anna Leota Wade Cray. He lived most of his life in Edinburg, TX. Upon graduation from Edinburg High School, he was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Houston. One of his greatest recognitions was kicking the winning goal against A&M with minutes left to secure a win. His record of kicking the most goals during a season at the University of Houston was not broken for many years. Verle married his high school sweetheart, Betty Sue Richards, on December 23, 1952. They came home to Edinburg to begin coaching, anxious to teach his favorite game. One of his fondest memories was being on the Donna Redskins the year they won the state championship. He retired in 1987 to devote himself to farming. Verle was elected to multiple positions in Texas citrus organizations. Verle was a devoted member of the Edinburg First United Methodist Church. He always felt blessed with the love of family, friends, football, and farming.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen Mark Cray.
Mr. Cray is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty Sue Cray; daughter, Kathryn Ann (Randy) Hiser; three granddaughters, Morgan (David) Urban, Courtney (Mike) Peel, Madison (Michael) Flores; devoted family members, Beverly Richards, Travis (Shelley) Richards, Carlyn (James) Heath, Bob Ed (Margaret) Stewart; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg.
The family has requested that remembrances be made to Edinburg FUMC
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.