Wendell "ray" Chambers

Wendell "Ray" Chambers, 64, passed away in the company of his loving family Feb. 25, 2015 following a long illness. Born Jan. 4, 1951 in Portales, NM, Ray was a longtime employee of Allsup's Convenience Stores, climbing the ranks from mopping floors in 1968 to managing territories throughout New Mexico and Texas, retiring in 2000 as District Manager for the company in Santa Fe, NM.

Ray began flight training at Santa Fe Municipal Airport in May 2012 to fulfill his lifelong dream of earning his pilot's certificate, a goal he accomplished in September 2013. His checkride examiner summarized Ray's piloting skill as "like [acclaimed air show performer] Bob Hoover." When Ray wasn't in the air, he was sharing his passion for flight on social media, or at the airport restaurant talking about flying and watching airplanes take off and land. Ray was able to share his joy of flight with his wife, son, and grandson, and his determination in learning to fly was an inspiration to many.

Ray is survived by his wife of 22 years, Roberta; brother Eddie Strength and sister-in-law Wendy of Albuquerque, NM; brother Thomas McClure of McAlister, OK; sister Donna of Houston, TX; daughters Missy and Wendy of Portales, NM and Michelle Bowling of Houston, TX; sons Wayne, James, and Walter and his wife, Sarah, of Portales; and Scott of Santa Fe, NM; and grandsons Brandon, Cameron, Christopher, Ethan, Hayden, Jacob, James, Keagan, Nicholas, Tristan, and granddaughter Emma; and his great-granddaughter Kynlee. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine; his father, Elmer; his brother, Rex; and daughter De'wana.

Memorial services will take place March 14, 2015 at 10:00 am at Calvary Baptist in Santa Fe.