Dr. Ray Wilson

DR. RAY WILSON Dr. F. Ray Wilson, II, 62, one of Baylor University’s most beloved faculty members, passed away July 9, 2004 while on a study-abroad program in Rome. Funeral services for Dr. Wilson, who was professor of biology, director of the Honors Program and Master Teacher, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 20th at Waco Hall on the Baylor campus with Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr. officiating. Burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. A campus memorial service will be held August 26th. Ray was born August 1, 1941 in Wichita Falls to Forest Ray, Sr. and Nancy Wilson. A 1966 graduate of Texas Wesleyan University, Ray earned his master’s degree in biology from Texas Christian University in 1969 and his doctorate in physiology and biophysics from the University of Illinois in 1973. That year, he joined the Baylor faculty as an assistant professor of biology and was named full professor in 1989. During the spring, Ray was appointed director of the Honors Program, a post he began on June 1. During his three decades at Baylor, Ray was honored with numerous teaching awards, including his selection by the 1997 senior class as the Collins Outstanding Professor. He also was honored seven times by Mortar Board as “Top Professor” and was named to the academic honor society’s Circle of Achievement for Outstanding Professors eight times. In November 2003, Ray was designated as Master Teacher, the highest honor granted to Baylor faculty members. More than anything, Ray was legendary among the Baylor student body for mentoring hundreds of students pursuing graduate degrees in the sciences, while also directing countless undergraduate honors theses. He taught literally thousands of students over his long and distinguished career. He had a great sense of humor favorite saying “fire up!” and was a tremendous encourager, helping many students find their sense of calling and direction in life. Ray had the privilege of leading many students to faith in Jesus Christ. He was demanding in the classroom and laboratory, but what many people will remember about him is that he loved his students, including the many pranks they played on him. Ray was a popular speaker at student and alumni functions, which is testimony to the great respect and admiration that the Baylor family had for him. His curriculum vitae listed his hobbies as giving talks for Baylor University, traveling and collecting art. Ray served as a member of the Baylor Faculty Senate and on many university committees, including the University Tenure Committee from 1997-99 and the Arts and Sciences science facilities planning committee in 1999. At the time of his death, he was chair of the faculty advisory committee for student life and served as co-director of the summer study aboard program, Baylor in Great Britain. Fully involved in the life of Baylor, Ray also served on committees involving biology scholarship and awards, summer orientation, Welcome Week, BaylorPlus, United Way and Diadeloso. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church and served on the board of advisers for Young Life. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Wilson. He is survived by his mother, Eileen Wilson of Garland, sister, De’Andrea Myers and husband Jerry of Dallas, brother, James Wilson and wife Belinda of Allen, three nieces and a nephew. Memorials may be made to the F. Ray Wilson Endowed Scholarship Fund at Baylor University, One Baylor Place #97026, Waco, TX 76798-7026. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY