Charles H. Ray, 85 of Amarillo, passed away on June 14, 2023. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 2:00pm on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at First Christian Church, 602 Denver, Dalhart, TX with Pastors Barry Walker and Burton McIlroy officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends will be able to view from 4-8:00pm on Friday. Arrangements are entrusted to Horizon Funeral Home. Charles Hayden Ray was born October 23, 1937 in McCurtain County, Oklahoma to Joe Sam and Bonnie Ray. Charlie attended schools in Haworth, Oklahoma and graduated from Idabel High School in 1955. He received his education degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State College. Charlie started his teaching career at the age of 21 teaching algebra at Dalhart Junior High School. After only 3 years he was named the principal of South Ward Elementary school. In 1970 he became the principal of Dalhart Elementary School. He later became principal of Dalhart High School for six years. Next he was named Director of the Special Education Coop for 10 years. He then retired in Texas with 35 years of service. Retirement didn't last. New Mexico was next when he accepted the job of principal of Melrose Elementary in Melrose, NM in 1994. He enjoyed this new adventure and the new friends he made. After six years he decided to give retirement another try. This was his second retirement. This retirement ended after five years when Melrose needed an Elementary principal again and he stayed another two years and retired. This was his third retirement but not the end. He contracted with Melrose to coordinate their STARS programs and send the information in to the state of New Mexico. He sent in his final end-of-school report just three weeks ago. His work is finished. This is his fourth retirement. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, a dedicated family man, an enthusiastic educator, an avid fisherman, a skilled camper, an eager hiker, a devoted gardener, and a baker of delicious pies. Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Sam and Bonnie Ray. Survivors are his wife of sixty-one years, Carolyn Ray, presently residing in Amarillo, TX, originally of Dalhart. Children: Beth Ray Seeley (Jeff) of Carrollton, TX. Jim Ray (Susan) Canyon, TX. Jennifer Hart (Dan) Austin, TX. Julie Allman (Mike) of Amarillo, TX. Sister, Carol Shriver of Bentonville, AR. Niece Jeanie Hough. Nephews: Tommy and Todd Maye Grandchildren: Zachory Lightfoot, Lauren Seeley, Judson Seeley, Hayden Seeley, Jordan Ray, Jason Ray, James Ray; Sam Hart, Clara Hart, Jack Allman, Britta Allman. Great-grandchildren: Kylie Lightfoot, Gael Lightfoot, Elias Lightfoot, Mila Lightfoot. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Charles Hayden Ray, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Memorial Donation Funeral Service Saturday, June 17, 2023 2:00 PM First Christian Church 602 Denver Ave. Dalhart, Texas 79022