About Us

Ray Michael Bevel was born October 4, 1984 in Breckenridge, Texas.

He Graduated from Andrews High School in 2003. His favorite class was Metal Shop and he competed numerous times at the State level. He enjoyed building trailers and barbecue pits.

Ray loved to work with the youth group at First Baptist Church in Andrews, he loved going on ski trips with the church, and he loved playing golf.

Ray married Brooke Hooper on December 10, 2005 in Odessa Texas.

After joining the Army, Ray graduated Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. Cpl. Bevel served with the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Charlie Company, Ft Drum, New York.

On April 21, 2007 Ray was killed in the line of duty. He was on a retrieval mission which had been successful but as they traveled back using a different path
Ray stepped on an IED.

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On Saturday April 21, 2007 US Army Police rang the Bevel's doorbell, they had come to deliver the worst news a parent could ever received.

In the days following the community of Andrews came together to recognize the loss and sacrifice of Ray's life. Yards were covered in American flags, proudly displaying the colors red, white and blue.

Supporters gathered along the road as the Bevels brought their son home. Over 50 miles of highway was proudly displayed with people, flags in hand as they paid their respects. The community was there to show their support for this hero and his family.

Ray's funeral was held at the James Robert's Center, the largest building in Andrews to accommodate the outpouring of support and attendance.

In 2007 Lonna and Jerry Opened Cpl Ray's Coffee Shop in Ray's memory. "Some would say this little coffee shop that was started to say thank you to so many."

They hoped it would serve the community as a thank you for all the outpouring of support they received after Ray's death. A safe haven for active duty military as well as veterans. A place to share stories, memories and gain understanding and support from each other.