Ray Black

Rayford Jack Black, 80, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Ray was born January 13, 1945 in Prairie Hill, Texas to Elzie and Juanita Black. After graduating from Coolidge High School Ray earned a degree in History from Sam Houston State University. Later he attended South Texas School of Law where he began his career as a lawyer. Ray practiced law and sat as judge in several counties until just a few years prior to his death. He loved spending time with his daughter Haley, son-in-law Tareq and his grandkids Leo and Audre. He recently returned from a visit to their home in Virginia where he spent the Thanksgiving Holiday. Ray was passionate about bird dogs, horses and enjoyed sitting on his front porch looking out on a beautiful Texas landscape with his dog Balto. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Glenda Worthy, and his brother E.J. Black. 

Ray is survived by his daughter Haley Black and her husband Tareq Mia, their children Leo and Audre "baby-girl" (with one more on the way); Ray Black Jr. and two grandsons, Reid and Christopher. He is also survived by his ex-wife, co-parent and long-time friend, Cookie Black. He was loved by many in the Prairie Hill, Bellmead, and Waco communities and was preceded in death by several close friends. Ray never met a stranger, was an avid story teller and loved his family above all else. He will be dearly missed. 

A visitation will be held on Monday January 12, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm at Bellmead Funeral Home, 809 La Clede St., Bellmead, TX 76705. The funeral will be held at Prairie Hill Baptist Church, 5152 FM339, Prairie Hill, TX 76678 at 1:00pm on Tuesday January 13, 2026.