Raymond Redding

Raymond M. Redding, 77, of Waco, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Providence Health Center.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at Western Heights Baptist Church with Chaplain Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 8, 2008 at the OakCrest Funeral Home Chapel, 4520 Bosque Blvd. A memorial video will be shown during the visitation.

Raymond was born July 16, 1931 in Mexia to Robert Franklin Redding and Ethel Bates Redding. He graduated from Lott High School in 1949. After graduation, Raymond worked for Retail Credit Company (now known as Equifax) for 42 years. In 1968, he established a carpet cleaning and restoration business. Over the last 40 years, he transformed this small carpet cleaning company into Specialty Restoration of Texas, Inc., and was acting CEO at the time of his death.

Raymond married Barbara Jean Johnson on September 19, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Lott.

He has been an active member of Western Heights Baptist Church for 40 years, serving on various committees during that time.

Raymond enjoyed spending many hours at the Lake Air Little League ballpark. He was involved in the program for over 20 years, serving on the Board in various positions, including President.

His interests included fishing, traveling and spending as much time as possible with close friends and family. He was very proud of each of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their ballgames, recitals, concerts and school events.

Raymond made a difference in people's lives because he was a concerned and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. His passionate and gentle way will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Redding; sons, Craig Redding of Austin, Wayne Redding and wife, Karen of China Spring, Stuart Redding and wife, Tracy of Waco; sister, Geraldine Nelson of Waco; brother, Robert Redding of Waco; 9 grandchildren, Clint Redding, Natalie Redding, Matthew Redding, Josh Redding, Chad Redding, Branson Redding, Sydney Redding, Seth Redding and Baylee Redding; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Ramsey, Glynn Lightsey, Jerry Allen, Wayne Carter, Joe Ingram, Brian Ford, Robert Mize, Blaine Furman and Butch Waggoner. Honorary pallbearers are his special friends from Lott, Raymond Golding, Sonny Crosby, Chick Hayes, Marvin Mercer, Kenneth Morris and Johnny Nix.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and thanks to Betty and Curtis Holland, the staff of ICU at Providence Health Center and to Dr. Ross Shipp for their support and concern.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Raymond's memory to Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd. Waco 76710 or to the Gospel Café Ministries, 825 South 10th Waco 76706 or to the charity of your choice.