75° and Patchy rain nearby
Wilford “Ray” Quick was born on October 10, 1937, and passed away peacefully at home April 20, 2024, surrounded by his family. He spent his early childhood on McGregor Range helping his grandparents with their sheep ranch. Later, his family returned to the La Luz area where he grew up, as the second oldest of six children. Ray often told stories about his school years and how much he disliked school. At the age of fifteen, he quit school and went to work on the Mesa, running a blade for Otero County. When Ray turned 18, he joined the United States Air Force as an aircraft electrician. He learned to work on planes and flew all over the world from the hottest places, to the coldest. When his time with the air force was over and he had the choice to re-enlist, he instead chose to come home and settle down with the love of his life, Mary Alice “Polly” Quick, and was married September 19,1959. Ray and Polly raised four beautiful girls together -- Mary Ann, Kathy, Ray “Nell”, and Kerrie. Ray and Polly adventured to Alaska, Washington, Idaho, and later moved back to La Luz where they settled down to raise their family and started their well drilling business, Quick Well Drilling and Pump Service.
Ray served his community and Otero County as a well driller and pump installer for 50+years. He was well known for his honesty and hard work. Ray was a cattleman, a hunter, fisherman, an avid gun collector, and a man of vision. He was a friend, provider, inventor, and teacher to many. Hard work was all he knew, and he was no stranger to it. As a problem solver, a solution was something that could always be found, and he made sure all was correct and done properly, even if it took hours to complete. Ray had many memories of his life that he enjoyed sharing with friends, family, and even strangers that showed up to his house on occasion. He could see the best in anyone and always offered his help. Ray was a family man; he loved his family deeply and enjoyed their visits. He was a fortunate man seeing his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow, as most still reside in the Tularosa Basin. Christmas time was his favorite; as the whole family would gather at his house, and he got to be with everyone all at once. Ray was also a dancer, he loved to dance. Whether it be the twist after a couple drinks, a slow two step, or a foot tap to old country music; if he heard music he danced. Our minds are at ease as we know he is dancing with Polly again.
Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife Polly; his parents, Marcus and Ola Quick; sister Valerie Showers; brother Ralph Benton; sister Carol Lynn; and his daughter Kathy Mainz.
He is survived by his daughters Mary Ann Schueltz (Lonnie), Ray Nell Crimmins (Dennis), and Kerrie Quick (Matt). His sisters, Marion Thorp, Jean Davis, and Edwina Ogden. Grandchildren: Laci Orrel (Corey), Shyla Williamson (Levi), David Quick (Sam), Thomas Gomez, McChristie Curry (Catlin), Amber Mullen (Dan), Bobby Wride (Annaka), and Savanah Price (Kyle). Great-Grandchildren: Laura Judah, Jason Quick, Lelan Quick, and Livia Quick; Taylor Williamson, Connor Williamson and Kaylee Williamson; Cason Curry and Jaxon Curry; Charly Mullen and Mason Mullen; Adelaide Price. Great- Great-Grandchildren: Weston Quick And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
