Junior Vest

Junior Ray Vest, of Mexia, passed away at his home on August 29, 2020 at the age of 88.  Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2020 in the Point Enterprise Cemetery with Pastor Michael Vestal officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Vest, Keith Vest, Kyle Vest, Harley Jones, J. T. Vickery, Arlie Vickery, Alan Goodrich, John Pevehouse and Kent Yelverton.

Junior Ray was born June 20, 1932 in Lost Prairie, Texas to Reuben Floyd and Bertha Shugart Vest.  He lived in the Mexia area most of his life.  Junior Ray served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.  He was a well-known and very reputable Paint Contractor for many years, prior to retirement.

Junior Ray married his lifelong partner, Barbara Ruth Padgett, on November 13, 1954 in Waco, Texas.  As a young man, he enjoyed playing softball and golf.  As years went on, he added fishing, camping and restoring and selling tractors to his list of hobbies.  His love for sports was passed on to the generations after him.  His sons, and the majority of his grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoyed playing baseball, in addition to other sports.  Junior Ray was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Of all the things he enjoyed, nothing was more special than family gatherings and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sporting events.

Junior Ray was a rather quiet man who enjoyed the simple things in life – working hard to support his family, treating people with respect and enjoying leisure time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben Floyd and Bertha Vest; and sisters, Nelda Grabbs and Betty Lou Vest.

He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Barbara Vest; sons, Mark Ray Vest and wife, Liz, Alan Richard Vest and Kevin Ryan Vest all of Mexia; grandsons, Kent Ray Vest and wife, Kristen, Keith Ryan Vest and wife, Kristyn, Kyle Richard Vest; granddaughter, Tyler Huston Jones and husband, Harley; great grandchildren, Kensley Vest, Kallie Vest, Kenzie Vest, Khloe Vest, Kylie Vest and Tripp Jones; sister, Doris Faye Carter of Malone; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Laura, Jacienda and all the caregivers for their special care and support given to Junior Ray during his illness.