Funeral services for James Rayford Dunlap (Ray) will be at 10:00 am Monday June 10, 2024, at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas with Bro. Roger Dunlap officiating.

Ray Dunlap (65) went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday June 8, 2024. Ray was born on November 17, 1958, to Rayford (Cotton) and Jimmie Dunlap. Ray was born and raised in Marshall and was a 1977 graduate of Marshall High School.

Ray had a very big personality and loved being around people. He was always the center of any conversation and always had a story to tell, most of which were true. Caddo Lake was his happy place and he could often be found on, and around the lake. He also loved southern gospel music and at various times in his life was a member of gospel quartets. Even though he never attended, Ray loved the University of Texas and supported all things Longhorn athletics. He worked several different jobs, most notably for Water Resources International as a salesman, and as head of economic development for the cities of Fairview, and Terrell, Texas. At the time of his passing, he was the economic development director for Caddo Mills, Texas.

Ray is preceded in death by his father Cotton, and his grandparents Jim and Modena Carpenter, and Arthur and Lee Bertha Dunlap.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Robin, and his daughters Chloe and Ashley. He is also survived by his mother Jimmie Van Norden (Jerry) of Hallsville, sister Dena Russell (Randy) of Beckville, brother Roger (Darla) of Magnolia, AR, sister Sharon Hall (Ron) of Marshall. Nieces and Nephews Amanda Mitchell (Jeremy) of Magnolia, AR, Austin Hall (Abby) of Carthage, Leah Whitaker (Cody) of Carthage, Tyler Dunlap (Abbie) of Tontitown, AR, Ryan Hall (Hilary) of Marshall, and special friends John and Stacy Godwin of Rowlett. He is also survived by several cousins and great nieces and nephews.