Odie Ray Courtney

Odie Ray Courtney Ray was born on December 31, 1935 in Carbon, Texas to Harlen Courtney and Louise Courtney. He moved to Scurry County in high school and attended Snyder High School where he graduated in 1954. He married Betty Clyde Connell on September 3, 1956. The couple moved to Abilene, Texas where they attended Hardin Simmons University. They had two children, Connie Taylor and Randy Courtney. Ray is best remembered as a teacher and principal for Snyder Independent School District from 1960 to 1993. He taught science at Travis Junior High and Lamar Junior High. He became vice principal and then principal at Snyder High School where he influenced many young teenagers. Ray finished his teaching and principal career when he retired as principal at North Elementary. Throughout his life he was especially drawn to horses. He trained horses for the Hays Ranch and lived out his dream of becoming a racehorse trainer. He had a great knowledge of raising and training show horses, quarter horses, and thoroughbred horses. In retirement, he and Betty lived in Snyder, Amarillo, and Ruidoso where Betty still resides. Ray is survived by a brother, Gale Courtney of Iowa. His daughter Connie is married to Dr. Robert Taylor and lives in Amarillo. His son, Randy is married to Lynn Robinson and lives in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He was greatly adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Clay Taylor resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife Shannon and their two children Margaret and Oliver. Jennifer Baker lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband, Nick. Brittney Courtney lives in San Diego, California. Braden Courtney resides in Red Oak, Texas with his wife, Stephanie and their children Scarlett and Ruby Ray. Gracyn Courtney and Maddox Cantrell, great grandchildren, also live in Ruidoso, New Mexico. We celebrate the life of Odie Ray Courtney. He never met a stranger, regularly checked on his neighbors, loved to visit with old friends, always wanted to help in any way he could, and loved being Dad, Grandad, and Grandad Ray. Graveside rites will be performed at Hillside Memorial Cemetery, November 17th, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to West Texas Rehab in memory of Ray Courtney. West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, TX 79605-9989. Online:westtexasrehab.org