Ray A. Garley

Ray A. Garley, 64, originally from Belen, NM was called to the Lord’s Kingdom on Monday, February 21, 2022, in his beloved City of Las Vegas.  Ray, known to many as Mr. Garley, will be missed be all who knew him.  Ray served the community of Las Vegas and the State of New Mexico for 35 plus years.  In approximately 1983, the honorable late Judge Joe Angel appointed Ray as the Chief of the Juvenile Probation and Parole Offices (JPPO) for three counties:  San Miguel, Mora and Guadalupe, respectfully.  As Chief, Ray was able to secure numerous JPPO and support staff positions and expand his offices in all three counties.  Ray successfully ran the First Offender Program in his Las Vegas office and was even able to obtain state accreditation, the first office to do so within the State.  Throughout his career, Ray worked with many State and Local leaders as well as community members in order to positively impact and improve the lives of several hundred New Mexican children and young adults.

            Ray loved helping people, especially children, and he tried to have a positive impact on everyone he encountered.  In 2006, after 25 years of hard work and selfless dedication as a state employee, Ray retired.  However, he continued to serve the community by serving as a foster parent and mentor for numerous kids throughout the years.  Although Ray is known throughout the community as the (Ret.) Chief JPPO officer, he is best known by his children and grandchildren as their superhero and best friend.

            Ray loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and loved talking about them when he wasn’t with them.  He loved watching their sporting events, talking history, fishing, cooking or just joking around; he was especially proud of his grandsons and their accomplishments. Ray was a private but happy person and would be there for anyone that needed a helping hand.  Ray was a proud New Mexico Highlands University Alumni (Class of 1980) and a proud supporter of Robertson High School.

            Ray is survived by his two children:  ReginaRae (Orlando) and Gabriel; his three grandchildren: Deandre, Xzavier, and Storm; and six brothers and three sisters.  He is preceded in death by his father, Bobby M. Garley, his mother, Jennie Garley, and his brother, Willie D. Garley.  A public visitation will be held at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 1:00 p.m until 4:00 p.m. 

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