Ray Palmer, 55 of Marshall, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, October 29, 2015. A visitation will take place from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Monday, November 2, 2015 at Downs Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00am Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at First Baptist Church, Marshall, Texas. Captain Ray Palmer passed away on October 29, surrounded by his loving family who he adored, following a courageous battle with ALS, which he faced with great grace, dignity, and, as always, his wonderful sense of humor. Ray was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, veteran, deacon, mentor, community volunteer, and devoted law enforcement and D.A.R.E officer. November 3, 2015 would have been Ray's 56th birthday. Ray was born in Dumas, Texas and grew up in Stratford, Texas with his mom and dad, Kaye and Bob Lewis, and his two sisters, Beth and Darla. They then moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Ray knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. After graduating from Lamar High School in Arlington, he served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer and was stationed in Germany from 1980-1983. Ray then graduated from the East Texas Police Academy in Kilgore, received his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Kilgore College, and received his Bachelors of Business Management from Wiley College. Ray met his soulmate and love of his life, Nancy Taylor, in Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Marshall in 1992, which was very fitting since the church was such a central part of their lives. They married June 5, 1993. On May 15, 1995, Ray and Nancy were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Lindsey. Ray's life with Nancy and Lindsey was focused on family, church, friends, community, and their Christian faith. Throughout his life, Ray had a deep commitment to service and helping others. Ray was the embodiment of the "Golden Rule." There was nothing Ray Palmer would not do to help others. After working in Lakeport and Gregg County, Ray began his work with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office in 1990, first as a jailer, then promoted to D.A.R.E Deputy, then Administrative Lieutenant Patrol, and then, in 2009, as Administrative Captain. Ray was excellent at his work in law enforcement, the kind of bedrock County employee who everyone depended on not only because he was so effective, dependable, and hard-working but also because he was such a pleasure to work with. Plus, Ray treated everyone equally with dignity and respect, so much so that those he once arrested or who had been in the county jail would often come back later to thank him for his fairness and compassion. Ray had a special love for teaching and serving children, which was reflected in his remarkable work as the County's D.A.R.E officer. Not only did Ray do an outstanding job teaching students (or "his kids," as he called them) good decision-making skills to lead safe, healthy lives, and to stay away from drugs and alcohol, he also consistently headed up fundraisers to help raise funds for this important program. After retiring from Harrison County in 2014, Ray immediately returned to his love of teaching children and went to work at Hallsville Intermediate School as Resource Officer and D.A.R.E instructor. As in all schools in which he taught, Ray was beloved by students and teachers alike. He served in this position until his diagnosis in April, 2015. With his "light up a room" smile and caring heart, Captain Ray Palmer was a true reflection of his first name for he was indeed a ray of light to all the many lives he touched. Ray leaves behind an amazing legacy of love, family, friends, and a lasting positive impact on thousands of students he taught and cared so much about. Ray also leaves an inspiring example of what a true Christian life of kindness, integrity, and service can be. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Ray is preceded in death by his mother, Kaye Lewis, and is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughter, Lindsey, of Marshall; father, Bob Lewis, of Stratford; sister, Beth Palmer Williams of Stratford; sister, Darla Lewis of Denver; sister-in-law Jennifer Dimmitt and Mark Dimmitt; brother-in-law Johnny Taylor and Karen Taylor of Marshall; nephew Jack Dimmitt; nieces Taylor Dimmitt and Katy Bench Long, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins who were very dear to him and were always supportive of him throughout his life. Ray's family appreciates the outpouring of love and support now and during Ray's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Marshall, the ALS Association, or a charity of your choice.