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Beloved Houston Minister of Music Gerald Benjamin Ray Passes

A vibrant choir performing in Houston, honoring a musical legacy.

News Summary

Gerald Benjamin Ray, a cherished figure in Houston’s musical community and long-time Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church, has passed away peacefully at the age of 92. His contributions to music, including the Houston Christmas Pageant and multiple albums, left an indelible mark. He is remembered for his warm spirit and compassionate leadership. A memorial service is set for June 6, and the family requests donations to the Gerald and Trevelyn Ray Scholarship Fund.

Houston – Gerald Benjamin Ray, a beloved figure in the musical community and long-time Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Houston, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He was 92 years old.

Born on January 1, 1933, in Hutto, Texas, to Phoebe Kathryn and Benjamin Elbert Ray, Gerald displayed musical talent from a young age. By the age of 14, he became the organist at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, where he served until graduating from the University of Texas in 1954. He furthered his education, obtaining a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1958, Gerald married Trevelyn Reid of Fort Worth, who stood by his side in ministry for nearly 50 years until her passing in 2006. His professional journey included a significant role as Minister of Music at Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in Fort Worth for 16 years before moving to Houston in 1970 to lead the music ministry at First Baptist Church of Houston. He held this position for 28 years until his retirement in 1998.

At First Baptist Houston, Gerald was instrumental in overseeing a vibrant music program, which included a 400-member adult choir, a large orchestra, numerous handbell choirs, and various choirs for children and youth. Under his leadership, the choirs participated in several prominent civic events in Houston, such as presidential rallies for Presidents Reagan and Bush, the Seven Nation Economic Summit, a NASA groundbreaking ceremony, and the Houston Olympics Festival in 1986.

Gerald’s legacy includes the production of 23 albums of sacred music and musical mission trips to approximately 30 countries across five continents. He was a key figure in the creation of the Houston Christmas Pageant, a celebrated event that he led for 28 years. This pageant drew an audience of 45,000 people annually and was broadcast across 30 major markets, even being featured as the national Christmas Eve special on ABC-TV in 1994.

He is remembered not only for his musical contributions but for his warm and humble spirit. Gerald was known for his compassionate approach to leadership, making a personal connection with choir participants crucial to his ministry philosophy. He expressed the idea of valuing personal relationships over mere programming in a 2000 article for The Communicator magazine.

Gerald is survived by two daughters, Kerry Dawkins (Brad) and Kristy Parrott (Keith), along with three grandchildren: Reid Parrott (Mary Kathryn), Mary Kathryn Parrott, and Benjamin Parrott. He also had twin great-granddaughters, Mary Ruth Parrott and Trevelyn Parrott. The family has expressed special gratitude to Silvia Sibouyeh, Gerald’s caregiver and friend, who they consider a “third daughter and sister.”

A memorial service will be held on June 6, 2025, at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Houston. Attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors in honor of Gerald’s love for “all things bright and beautiful.” A designated seating area will be reserved for former choir members, and the service will also be live-streamed through the church’s website for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gerald and Trevelyn Ray Scholarship Fund at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.