Donald Ray Luce

Donald Ray Luce (D.R.), at the age of 90, passed from this life on Wednesday November 27th, 2024, in Ingram, Texas. He was the son of Odette Weeks born on July 18, 1934 in Luling, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Domenica (Minnie) Luce, his son David Ray, his mother Odette Sprenger, and his beautiful wife Charlotte May. He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Dove (Dovey) and husband Randy, Jonathan Charles (John) and wife Jeanine, Joel Nathanael and his wife Jaime, and Stephen Paul (Steve) and his wife Donna. He will be missed by his 14 grandchildren, his 19 great-grandchildren, and many other family members and dear friends.

He graduated from Sam Houston high school in San Antonio, Texas. D.R. served in the military and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. During his tour of duty, he reached the level of Golden Glove boxer. Notably, he became a Christian and received a call to ministry while serving in the Army. He then married the love of his life Charlotte May Milligan on November 19, 1955 and they began their life together. Prompted by his new found calling, he attended Southwestern Assembly of God college in Waxahachie, Texas for several years while working toward a ministerial degree. D.R. and his dedicated wife served for a year or so at an orphanage close to Dallas, Texas. He was an ordained minister and served in the ministry for nearly 60 years. In fact, he was so devoted that he never missed a day of work in his life until the day he was taken to the hospital. 

D.R. was a man of prayer and his faithfulness to God and his family was unmatched. His number one priority was his time with the Lord each day. He prayed specifically for each one of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. And read God’s Word and memorized scripture daily, even at the age of ninety. 

He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and would record each game and rewatch them when any of his kids were in town. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing, and he was the most patient fisherman ever. He enjoyed doing projects on the home, from the bright blue basketball court to the new pool, to the constant moving of rocks and dirt by the river and making sure his garages were fit for royalty. He was always dressed to the nines, and even his jeans were well-pressed. In the last few years, he got into Van’s slip-ons and the kids would always say “Grandpa’s shoe game is strong.” He had a set of shoes at every entrance to the house and his bedroom. He was extremely clean and organized, meticulously making sure everything was always in place – just the way his beloved Charlotte left it. 

He was generous to a fault, always giving, always looking for someone to bless, always keeping a $100 bill in his wallet in case someone needed it. He loved buying cars and giving away cars, because he had been blessed with cars during times of need. We just celebrated his 90th birthday where he wanted a big party, and it was perfect – he was surrounded by all his loved ones. 

He had a regular schedule of where he would go eat breakfast each day, rotating between Rio Ranch Café and Hunter House Café, where the staff knew his order in advance and would take time to talk with him each day. He made friends wherever he went and shared an inspirational word with those who were open to it. He walked with Jesus, he talked with Jesus, and he shared the love of Jesus with others. We deeply appreciate his legacy of faith.

Visitation will be held at Kerrville Funeral Home, 1221 Junction Highway, Kerrville, Texas on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. The service will be at 2:00 p.m. The graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 6th, 2024 at Garden of Memories Cemetery. 

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home. (830)895-5111