Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Raymond “Ray” Lee Liska passed away peacefully on the morning of July 21, 2024 after a long, courageous battle fighting cancer. Ray was loved by all who knew him. He was known for his quick wit and humor, his fair and honest nature, and his fierce loyalty to those he loved. He was one whose optimism was boundless, even while facing a terminal disease, he never gave up hope. He believed in the goodness of God and mankind and always stressed the importance of laughter, friends and maintaining strong family relationships.
Ray was born in Kenedy, Texas on October 29, 1946, to Rudolph Louis Liska and Norma Fauschenbauer Liska. Ray grew up in Runge, Texas along with his three siblings. He attended Runge High School where he excelled in sports and academics, graduating in 1965. Although he enjoyed playing all sports, football was his favorite. He loved playing every position and had a natural talent for eyeing plays. His senior year, Ray was captain of the football team and was voted Class President, Mr. RHS and Class Favorite. It was here in Runge where he fell in love with his future wife, Marilyn Tips. The two met at the young age of six, became high school sweethearts, and later followed one another to The University of Texas in Austin where they were married in 1968.
Ray graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelors of Business Administration in 1969. In 1971, the married couple moved to Corpus Christi, where Ray started his career with New York Life. He was a career agent and a Registered Representative for NYLife Securities for 53 years. He earned various professional degrees from the American College, including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC). Ray was a natural at striking up easy conversations and his positive, outgoing personality was well suited for sales, earning him a number of professional awards. He was a Life Council Agent to NYLife Securities for 35 consecutive years, a Life Member of the Texas Leaders Round Table and was a “Lone Star Leader.” Ray was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 46 consecutive years. He served as President of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the National Association of Life Underwriters and served on the Estate Planning Council. Ray also taught an Advanced Underwriting class at Del Mar College during his professional career.
Ray had an unforgettable spirit that brought joy and fun to any gathering. He appreciated the value of hard work in his career and in his pastimes. He meticulously tended to his lawn and favorite plants, always enjoying the beauty of nature. Weekends often found him in Runge, meeting up with old friends, hunting or fishing with his grandkids, and cooking out under the live oak trees. Nothing made him happier than preparing a great meal (especially barbeque) for others to enjoy. An avid golfer, and supporter of the Texas Longhorns, he greatly enjoyed the memories made on the golf course or watching football, baseball and basketball games with his lifelong friends. Ray also enjoyed traveling throughout the years, creating special memories with friends and family.
Ray and Marilyn enjoyed 53 years of marriage and over 69 years together as friends. They shared a special lifelong love story of dedication and service to one another. Their union blessed them with two daughters and 6 grandchildren all of whom adored him. Ray instilled the love of the Lord in his children and grandchildren who often observed him demonstrate generosity, compassion and Christ’s love in action.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents Rudolph and Norma Liska, his siblings Rudolph “Buddy” Liska, Terrilyn Liska Jones, and Wayne Franklin Liska, his wife Marilyn Tips Liska, and his son-in-law, Matthew Loving.
Ray is survived by his two loving daughters and their families: Melissa Parigi and her husband Travis Parigi, (Reid, Lauren, William) of Houston and Brandy Loving and her husband Patrick McCullough (Colton, Kaitlyn, Hunter) of Austin.
Ray has left us, we will mourn him, but how fortunate are we to have known him, to have loved him, and to have been witness to his humor, his joyous personality, and the warmth of his soul. His life left a lasting impact on many people as Ray always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Ray’s memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends and all who knew him and loved him. In his own words, “All good things come to an end but the Kingdom of God lives on forever.”
A Vigil Service and Celebration of Ray’s life will be held at Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4357 Ocean Drive, in Corpus Christi on Friday, August 2nd at 6:00 pm.
A Funeral Service and Mass will be held in Runge, Texas at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 101 East Arenoso Street, on Saturday August 3rd at 10:00 am. Refreshments and lunch will be served immediately thereafter at St. Anthony’s Church Hall.
If you wish to make a memorial gift, the family would be honored by donations made in Memory of Raymond Liska to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts.
