Raymond Donal Magallanes

Raymond Donal Magallanes, Sr., 84, passed over to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at his home in Biloxi after battling illness for four years. He was an officer and a gentleman. Ray graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Geology) in 1952 and the University of Southern MS with his Masters of Education degree in 1981. He was a member of Nativity BVM parish in Biloxi, MS where he taught catechism for many years. He retired with 24 years of service to the United States Army, defending our country overseas in 3 wars-- WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. On his last tour in Vietnam he was shot down in the helicopter he was piloting and escaped with minor injuries. A decorated officer, he retired as a Major. After retiring, Ray flew helicopters for the Mississippi Mosquito Control and participated in search and rescue missions with the civil defense. He owned and operated the "Super Slide" on the beach in Biloxi from 1967-1974. He obtained his Real Estate license and dabbled in that for awhile but his true love was education. Ray, "Mr. Mag" as his students called him was passionate about education. He taught at Mercy Cross and D'Iberville High School and substituted at many other schools along the coast. He served as the first President of the American Federation of Teachers in Mississippi and was a lobbyist for teachers rights and a higher standard of education. He had a unique and passionate zeal to defend all that he believed in -- which always involved honor and integrity. He was in many civic organizations to include VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club. He will always be fondly remembered for his gentle, sweet spirit. He bore "good fruit" on this earth-may it live on eternally. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Clemente and Dorothy; his beloved identical twin brother, Danny; his mother-in-law, Thelma Gable Diaz; and his two dear brothers-in-law, S.C. "Bootsie" Pluff and George Diaz, Jr. Also granddaughter, Bonnie Leigh. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bonnie (Diaz) Magallanes; son, Don (Faith) Magallanes; daughter, Jill (Hardy) Jones and daughter, Terrie Miller. Also his grandchildren, Ray (Heather) Magallanes, Jordan Magallanes, Kenny (Megan) Billings, Leigh Ann Billings, Katie Davis, and Tyler Smith; 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson, sisters-in-law, Courtney Magallanes and Pat Pluff, and lifelong closest friend, Carl Miles. He has many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 1:00 pm at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Biloxi. Friends may visit from 12:00 pm until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemtery.