Raymond Eugene Pippin

Raymond Eugene Pippin, September 1, 1934 – October 24, 2014. Ray was born in Augusta, Kansas to Raymond Washington Pippin and Dortha (Dorothy) Lee Cox Pippin. He graduated from Augusta High School in 1952, lettering in football, basketball, and track. He attended Kansas State University before serving two years in the United States Army Signal Corps. During his time in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and in Korea. Whenever he could obtain a pass, he spent his time in New York City, seeing every Broadway show a Kansas boy could see! He passed along his love for theatre to his daughters and grandchildren. After returning from his tour of duty in Korea, Ray went to work for Boeing in Wichita, Kansas where he met Sarah Jane Pierce, a punch card operator. They married June 21, 1959 in Pratt, Kansas. While raising their two daughters, Amy Ruth and Jennifer Lynn, Ray attended Wichita State University, graduating with his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering in 1963 and his Master’s in Industrial Engineering in 1966. Ray only missed one class during his studies, for the birth of Jenny. In 1968, the family moved to Richardson, Texas. Ray worked for Collins Radio/Rockwell International. He was instrumental in the design of the space shuttle. Ray was also an adjunct professor of engineering and management at University of Texas, Arlington and University of Texas, Dallas as well as a mentor for the Junior Achievement program at JJ Pearce High School in Richardson. After retiring from Rockwell/Alcatel in 1999, Ray and Sarah moved to Lubbock, Texas. Ray became a visiting professor of engineering at Texas Tech for several semesters. He enjoyed carpentry, hunting, camping, gardening, fly fishing, and travel. He particularly enjoyed the trips he and Sarah took to Great Britain. Ray was a 50+ year Master Mason in two Blue Lodges: Mystic Tie Lodge #74, Augusta, KS and Richardson Lodge #1214, Richardson, TX. He was also a Sir Knight in Lubbock Commandery #60 and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Ray is survived by daughters Amy, and husband Charles Mire of Lubbock, and Jenny, and husband Richard Stevens of Helotes, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, David Anthony, Kathryn Marie, and Sarah Clementine Mire, all of Lubbock, and Nicholas Michael and Rachel Elizabeth Stevens of Helotes and his sister, Beverly Pippin McCalla of Augusta, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Sarah Jane Pierce Pippin. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Scottish Rite Hospitals, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Music Scholarship Fund, or a charity of your choice. Masonic graveside services will be held at the City of Lubbock Cemetery, Masonic Section on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

Raymond Eugene Pippin

September 1, 1934 - October 24, 2014