Ray Allen Christopher, Sr.

Funeral services for Minister/Elder Ray Allen Christopher Sr., 71, of the Elm Grove Community near Rusk, will be Saturday, February 1st, at 12 Noon in the Mt. Hebron Presbyterian CPCA Church in Elm Grove with Rev. Travis McGowan officiating and Rev. Rachell Lucas eulogizing. 

Burial will follow in the Plainview Cemetery in Ponta. 

Minster/Elder Christopher passed away January 27, 2025 in Bullard, Texas. He was born November 23, 1953 to Allen Oliver Christopher and Gracie Lee Gregory Christopher near Rusk, Texas. Minister/Elder Christopher lived all his life in the Elm Grove and Iron Hill communities and was a graduate of Rusk High School in 1972. He was a lifetime member of Mt. Hebron CPCA where he served all his life. He was a member of the Angelina Presbyterian Association as well as the Elm Grove Baptist Church and Church of the Living God. He was a Sunday School teacher and a licensed minister who loved the Lord, his family and community. He had traveled as a delegate representing Mt. Hebron at meetings all over the United States. Ray was willing to help as much as possible, even after his health failed. 

Ray was retired from Rusk State Hospital after 34 years as a therapist. He was the community council President for the Elm Grove Community and a member of the Masonic Hicks Lodge #32.  

Ray is preceded in death by his loving parents; two cherished brothers, Jimmy Christopher and Jerry Dickerson; and one beloved sister, Mattie Moore. 

Minister/Elder Christopher is survived by wife of 47 years Polly A. Christopher; daughter and son-in-law Rev. Polly Rachell Lucas and Amery; son and daughter-in-law Ray A. Christopher Jr. and Crystal; grandsons Cameron Lucas and Christopher Lucas; sisters Mary Sessions, Cynthia Johnston and Jennifer Rettig; brothers Samuel Lee and wife Shelia, Freddie Chistopher and Stacy Christopher; uncle Winfred Gregory and wife Demolester; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. 

Pallbearers will be Tracy Christopher, Bobby Christopher, Pat Pope, Nicholas Pope, Brandon Black and Anthony Jones. Honorary pallbearers are Elder Ray Christopher Jr., Bernard Christopher, Cameron Lucas, Christopher Lucas and Amery Lucas. There will be a viewing/visitation Friday, January 31 from 2-6 PM at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home in Alto.