Raymond Eastman

Always a charismatic Texan gentleman, Raymond Eastman was born in Fort Worth and passed away peacefully in March at the age of 79 at his Nacogdoches home, where he was surrounded by his loving family.

Ray grew up in a military family with his younger brother and sister. They moved to Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, where he spent much of his high-school years. He enjoyed his time there so much that he would often tell stories about playing varsity baseball and basketball and riding his favorite horse on the island’s beautiful beaches. During his senior year, the family moved to Columbus, Mississippi, where he graduated high school.

Four years later, Ray was a Distinguished Military Graduate from Mississippi State University. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the Air Force and was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, for Air Intelligence Officer training. There he met his wife, the love of his life, and they remained happily married for 56 years. After their wedding, the young couple was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base and later served two years at Anderson Air Force Base on Guam, where, as a Captain, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for his notable service.

When Ray decided to leave the military, he perused his doctorate degree in clinical psychology at the University of Alabama. After completing his Ph. D., he accepted a teaching position at Stephen F. Austin State University’s psychology department. There he taught just over 10,000 students during his 31 years. He also enjoyed serving on several athletic committees and on the faculty senate. During this time, he also maintained a private practice, which became a source of professional pride for him.

Ray loved living in Nacogdoches. He was an avid golfer and frequented many SFASU baseball, basketball, and football games. He enjoyed being a member of the Nacogdoches Kiwanis Club in which he was President in 1984 as well as one of the main sausage cooks at the annual Kiwanis Pancake Supper. Ray successfully raised his two boys in Nacogdoches by sharing his love of sports, comic books, and science-fiction movies and by being a lifelong inspiration to them.

He is survived by his beloved wife, his sons, his brother and sister-in-law, and his sister. Ray truly treasured every second he spent with his family. Furthermore, his clients, his colleagues, his golf buddies, his friends, and his students meant the world to him, and they generously contributed to his rewarding and purposeful life. Ray would encourage everyone to continue to be kind, loving, and courageous in their own lives.

Ray will remain in Nacogdoches, and a private service is under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. At a later date, a celebration of life will be planned.

Always a strong supporter of education and in lieu of flowers, Ray would appreciate memorial donations directed to SFASU psychology scholarships, either the Chris Teague Scholarship or the University Regents Scholarship – Psychology. Please go to www.sfasu.edu/give for more information.