Pray for Ray
Those of you who have been following AramcoExPats.com have most likely heard of Ray and Sheila Stevens. They have been an integral part of the success of AramcoExPats.com, providing hundreds of photographs and sharing many memories of their time with Aramco. It is this type of sharing that makes AramcoExPats.com a friendly and familiar source of news for readers around the world.
Recently we learned that Ray is in the hospital. He has been fighting cancer for some time and was undergoing another round of chemotherapy when a sudden seizure left him hospitalized. Sheila, their son Chris, and daughter Brandi are already at or en route to the hospital to stand by Ray. The doctors have informed the family that Ray now has cancer in his brain.
A while ago, several of Ray’s friends decided to make wrist bands representing “Pray for Ray” in a “Bud Light blue” – a fond color of Ray’s. The bands were seen at the recent Tucson “Hafla” reunion. Ray’s love of life and dedication to his family and friends have made him a favorite of those who know him. We all hope that prayers for Ray will see him through this battle and bring comfort to his family.
Cards and letters of encouragement can be sent to: 16711 Palisades Point, Houston, Texas 77059.
Ray and Sheila have spent the last year making the most of each day. They have made it a priority to spend time with their family and friends and have traveled to many destinations seeking new adventures. Sheila and Ray have been together for 45 years and as one friend noted, since then they have been connected at the hip. Here is a biography of the Stevens’ written by Sheila. and edited by Ray (as he pointed out)…
“Sheila Marie Wright and I (Raymond Lee Stevens) met at church while in high school in Fredericktown, Missouri. She was the church pianist. I asked her to the Home Coming in October, 1967 and the rest is history. I was 16 years old and had only been driving a few months.
We went to the local Mineral Area Junior College at Flat River (now Park Hills). Sheila also attended Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau. We then drove the 1963 Chevy on to the University of Missouri at Rolla where Sheila worked until I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering on May 13, 1973. I accepted a job with Texaco in Port Arthur, Texas and started work on May 21, 1973 at the age of 21. We lived and worked there 5 years and had two children, Chris and Brandi. Sheila completed her BS in Elementary Education at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
In 1978, we had the opportunity to interview and move (July) to Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia with Aramco as a loanee from Texaco. We went for 18 months or a couple years and stayed 7 years, until the turn-down in 1985. Texaco sent us to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We enjoyed five years there, but after the 3rd opportunity came to return to Saudi Aramco, we decided we would like to go back and went as Aramcons, transferring from Texaco. The hardest part was leaving our 16 year old son, Chris, behind to live with friends and finish high school. We arrived in Dhahran in December, 1990, just before the Gulf War. Brandi lived with us for 2.5 years and then went to high school at Baylor in Tennessee. We lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia for 8 years.
We returned to Houston in December 1998 and began work for GDS Engineering at the Exxon Refinery in Baytown, Texas. I worked there until cancer treatments required I go home in April, 2010. I worked about 37 years and never missed many days.
I was diagnosed with bladder/kidney cancer in January, 2009 and had surgery in April, 2009. I have been battling lung cancer since late 2009. We always think about what we will do and the places we will go when we retire. With cancer, you realize how short life can be and you want to enjoy each day you have with family and friends.
In November 2011, our son Chris, wife Kim and kids, Sydney and Brody, were going to the new Disney Resort and Spa (Aulani) in Hawaii for Thanksgiving and invited us along. Okay!
In December 2011, we enjoyed 4 weeks in Houston with our daughter, Brandi who lives in London, England, and our new grandson, Moisis. We all journeyed west to Austin for the Aramco Christmas Party. At Christmas we all went east to Madisonville, Louisiana.
2012 finds me taking a chemo pill that seems to be slowing things down, so our calendar is filling up. The 2nd week in January, several Aramcon friends, Brixey, Waneka, Tugcu and Duet have timeshares in Vail, Colorado and invite us to join. I can’t ski anymore but sure enjoy the apres-ski.
The end of January found us in southeast Missouri for Sheila’s Mother’s 89th birthday; her niece’s baby shower and a visit with Byron and Kay Taylor. We always swing by Madisonville, Louisiana to see grandkids on return loops to midwest or southeast.
The first of March found us in Louisiana with grand-kids to celebrate Sheila’s birthday, then on to Panama City, Florida to meet up with Pat and Kathy Laabs for some sun and bird watching.
The end of March found us along with Tom and Julie Doody in west Texas in Big Bend and the Fort Davis area. In May we flew to London (with side trip to Ireland) to be with Brandi, Moisis and Barry. The summer found us on a cruise to Alaska with the Brixeys’.
(Signed) Sheila and Ray moving on!”
Our prayers and thoughts are with Ray, Sheila and family. Raymond is one of those “Bigger than Life” kind of guys. He and Sheila fill a room with light and love. They have always opened their hearts and their home to others. Ray and Sheila, may God be with you and protect you and may you always have an angel on your shoulder! Much love to all! Bob and Kayla
Ray,
Not possible, to much life and just to great a guy. Prayers go out to entire family.
Steve
Dear Ray and Sheila: We’re so sorry to hear about your medical problems. You’re in our prayers. Miracles do happen.
Sincerely, Richard and Peggy (Jones) Heil
I worked with Ray on several projects. He is a great person and I wish him all the best in his battle.
Why do such things happen to wonderful people? These people are the best on Earth! So generous and kind. We wish them to feel the love of all of us.
Ray will be in our prayers.
Dear Ray, Sheila and family,
We add our prayers and healing thoughts being sent to Ray. We also ask for strength, hope, and a miracle.
Sincerely,
George and Karen Huggins
May God bless him – we wish him a very quick recovery our prayers are with him.
Dear Sheila and Ray,
Our prayers are with you and you both deserve to have the prayers answered. Ray, your positive outlook on life is an inspiration to all of us.
My prayers are with you and your family. I retired from ARAMCO in 1992. Lived in Abqaiq my 25 years with ARAMCO My son died in Saudi 2 years ago. He had gone to work for them in the hospital Hang in there the good Lord up above will be with you forever.
George A. Kent
To Ray, Sheila and family:
. Even though we never had the pleasure of meeting you, we were in kingdom ( Ras Tanura) at the same time you were, knew we shared the love of travel with you from that time, and followed your terrific pictures on Aramco Expats ever since.Thank you so much for sharing with us all the places you love so much. We admire you, and your courageous battle. May God bless you all, our prayers are with you.
To Ray, Sheila and family:4
Please petition the Lord long and hard for Ray and Sheila.
Ray and Sheila,
Our prayers are with you in this hard time. You two were always a bright spot in our ARMCO days,
Wishing you and family well and hope a sppedy recovery.
Ray and the entire family will be our prayers.
I remember Ray as being one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ray (and family), hang in there big guy!
Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are an inspiration for us all as you have shared the best of times and your most challenging of times. We send our heartfelt love and prayers.
Ray,Sheila and family…y’all mean so much to soooo many people…I pray for your health Ray and ask God to grant you many more years with your beloved family…God Bless you…I pray for y’all to be strong and know y’all have TOUCHED MANY LIVES WITH YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND DEVOTION TO EVERYONE!! love ya, Adele
My prayers are with Ray and wish him speed recovery.
Dear Sheila and Ray,
I second Sharon’s comment, “Why do bad things happen to such good people”. My prayers are with you every step of this journey. The love of family and friends are what really pull us together. It is the humanity we share. May God hold you in his loving arms and give you the strength you need at this time.
Tho our paths never actually crossed, a heartfelt POWER goes out to Ray & family. As a “fifth” son to Art & Dorothy Stevens and best friends with Charlie,Donne,Tom, and Steve, I KNOW Ray has that strong spirit for this life and the next. Think of Thomas when he got those medals in Green Beret and keep the powerful “Looosiana strength” for all that cometh. row
Ray and Sheila are in our prayers and we hope that Ray’s ever positive attitude pulls him through this difficult time.
Hang in there buddy! We love you!
The BHOGs love you and are behind you both.
I really know what y’all are going through!
Bob Bewley
Prayers and hugs from the Olsen’s to all of you. Keep up the good fight.
Our thoughts are with you and your family and our hopes are that you will fare well. There is much yet to be done.
You and your family are in our thought and we are hoping that you fare well. There is much left to be done.
Our prayers continue for Ray, Sheila, Chris, Kim, Brandy, and those 3 beautiful grandbabies. Ray, you have always been the bright spot in so many people’s lives! Keep up the good fight! You have an army of family and friends supporting you! Much love, Susan and Dean
Ray keep fighting the good fight, you and Sheila have too many places to go and people to touch. Life is ever so much more precious with every new breath we breadth, person we touch and memory we make. Live strong and peace be with you.
Great memories of doubles tennis with Ray (aka The Lobster) in Dhahran 91-96? Those were the halcyon days of the DTA (300+ members).
Then golf took over:-(
Ray and Sheila, we have been following your blog faithfully for a long time and always appreciated your positive outlook on life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You will be in our prayers, keep up the good fight.
Our prayers are with you and your entire family and friends. Keep the Faith with strong mental awareness! Our memories keep us all alive forever!
I guess Clint, (my husband, now deceased) and I are among your “oldest” friends, having been on the plane together on our first trip to Abqaiq. We were Exxon, you Texaco, and I remember how envied we were riding
first class!
I want to thank you, Ray, for the YEARS you have kept us all “together!” Also, thank you for sharing your faith (letting God be your comfort and stay); your positive outlook (fighting the good fight); love for your fellow man (a friend to all). Truly a shining “Ray” of promise for us all!!
Daily prayers continue being sent your way!
Martha (aka “Aunt” Martha)
With our hearts we celebrate your courage. You are a giver and we appreciate you a whole lot..
Ray and Shiela, our prayers are with you Rey. We first met at the Abqaiq tennis courts in 1978, with Dwight Brixey, and I remember always looking up to you for your dominant play at the net…. never mind that you were swatting at the ball holding the racquet like a frying pan. Then you and Dwight would always win your doubles games… you were fun to watch… always happy. After we both left Aramco in the 80′s we met again in 1990 in Dhahran… and to my surprise, you had become so slim. I know you have a strong spirit and I do hope we meet again at the next Aramco Annuitant’s meeting. Get well soon.
David and Batch Unson
Ray, whenever we see your smiling face in Aramco publications or online, we’re reminded of many good times in Dhahran. You’ve had a positive influence on many people and we hope and pray that you’ll continue to enjoy life for a long time.
Ray, Sheila & family,
When we go through trials and troubles we can always rely on God and know that He will be with us and will help us through. Clouds and rain can help make your roots strong and give you stability if you let God work through them. David in Psalms 124:1 – 8 expressed the same idea. So let us rejoice in our clouds and rain and know that God is still in control even when we can’t see Him
Floyd & I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Floyd & Nancy Overholt
We are so sorry to hear about the relapse. Our thoughts, prayers, hugs, and well wishes are with you. We look forward to hearing that you are on the recovery mode.
Ray, every time I think of you I remember the shama day in Abqaiq and you opened the door for me at our little mall there and you said “what a beautiful day” and the sand got so thick in my throat from laughing!!!!we love y’all and God bless
Even though I did not know you Ray while we were in Saudi
Arabia, I did meet you at several of the annuitant reunions
over the past years.
Wishing you a fast and speedy recovery. You will be in our
prayers.
best……….. Fred Bobb, 3rd / Palm City, Florida
My prayers to All Mighty God for the fast recovery !
I pray to All Mighty for the fast recovery of Mr. Ray !
Thanks for directing me to this site! The article is great. You have both been blessed by many friends and events in this life. And I have been blessed to have you as a brother and a dear sister-in-law.
Love, Barb
You have had a very rich life, Ray. I did not know you when I was in Saudi but am moved to comment and pray for your recovery. The world needs more of your positive energy.
Sheila and “RLS”
Both of you have been in our prayers for as long as Ray let us know that he was making regular visits to the Medical Center. We have followed all of your escapades with every emotion from wonder, happiness jealousy and pride and at times sorrow. We are truly blessed that you have continued to include us in your family of mailings. May God continue to watch over you and leave his single set of footprints in the sand as he carries you both through this difficult time.
Aline and Ron
Dear Ray,
May All Mighty Allah shower all his kindness on you and your family and give you full and fast recovery. We firmly believe that the prayers do work and the God may turn the “impossibles” to the “possibles”.
I always saw you on the tennis courts in Abqaiq and had the opportunity to play with you a couple of times in 80′s. I always found you a thorough gentleman. I retired in March, 2012 and have returned to Pakistan.
May Allah bless you and your family.
We love you guys and we send our prayers to you both. We are praying for your recovery.
You and your family are in our thoughts. All of these wonderful postings are a testament to the positive impact you and Sheila have on so many people.
Dear Ray, Sheila & family…Though we have not been in touch, we have followed your travels and adventures…You have certainly taught us all how to go after these years!We are so sorry for what you are going through right now, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Yes, look at these postings and realize the great web your lives have touched. God Bless and keep you, the B’s.
We have enjoyed your photos and chatting at social gatherings. We are sorry this is happening and send positive thoughts your way.
Very few over the years have been as articulate and positive (humerous as well) as you with your experiences both in and out of the Kingdom. We still have your refrigerator and bedroom set here in Dhahran that we bought from you before your departure in 1998. They are a constant reminder of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.