Ray Rivera passed away at his residence on Sunday, June 28th, of a heart attack, at the age of 61. Ray was born in Sacramento, California, March 14, 1954 and was the third child and first son of Frances and Ramon Rivera.

Ray was a car salesman for many years, first at Bonham Chrysler, Bonham, Texas, and most recently at Hoyte Dodge, in Sherman, Texas, where he was named Used Car Salesman of the Year for 2014. He enjoyed helping his customers and his co-workers were dear friends.

He was a proud and loving father to three beautiful girls, Felicia, Daniella, and Ileana Rivera and a devoted husband to Cherie' Rivera for 25 years. He was loved by many, respected by all.

He lived life to the fullest; his last days were spent with his family and in his new home.

Felicia shared, "One of my favorite things about dad was that he was always thinking of the other person, always kind and generous, from coming to every dance recital with roses, to making sure at Christmas we had our favorite Godiva chocolates on hand. He accompanied us girls for Black Friday shopping, not because he wanted to shop, but so he could carry our packages, put them in the car, and come back for more. He wanted every moment to be special and he went above and beyond to make us feel loved."

Daniella says, "He watched every one of my news stories and would text me to discuss them or encourage me. He was the biggest supporter of everything I did. Now there is a void I will never be able to fill."

Ileana remembers, "I'm so thankful Dad and I got to go to Florida together this year, just the two of us. It was a great adventure. We spent much of the time lost, but we were together, laughing and making memories."

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, from Elk Grove, California. Raymond is survived by: ex-wife, Cherie' Rivera, his daughters, Felicia Rivera, Daniella Rivera, and Ileana Rivera of Sherman, Texas, his sisters, Norma Maher from Cave Creek, Arizona, Miriam Trejo, from Elk Grove, California, and brother, Jimmy Rivera from Bakersfield, California.

Funeral services to honor Ray's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 2nd, at Harvest Time Assembly of God Church with Pastor Nathan Cain officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery with Paul Peters, Larry McCarthy, Billy Vaughan, Casey Russell, Nick Mullens and Brian Baca serving as pallbearers.

Ray's family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. on Wednesday at Waldo Funeral Home.

The register book may be signed online at www.waldofuneralhome.com.

If you wish to send flowers, his favorite color was purple.

Services are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home.