Raymond Joseph "R.J." Macha Jr.

Raymond Joseph "R.J." Macha Jr., 78, of Magnolia TX, was called into his heavenly home on Saturday, January 25, 2025, ending his five-year battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on March 23, 1946, in Alice, Texas, to Hattie Lesak Macha and Raymond J. Macha. He was the third of four children: Wanda Macha Johnson, Mary Macha Harrington, and Michael Macha.

Raymond learned the value of hard work by helping his parents with their flooring and interior design business. He attended the Catholic seminary in San Antonio, graduated from Louise High School in 1964, and earned his Business degree from Sam Houston State University. In August of 1967, Raymond married his first wife, Barbara Wendel, and the couple moved to Spring, Texas. Together, they had two daughters, Sherryl and Stephanie.

Raymond had a lifelong love of the outdoors and a passion for photography. He shared many wonderful adventures with his second wife of 25 years, Paula A. Macha, whom he married in April of 1999. The couple traveled the world together, scuba diving with whales in South America, watching grizzly bears catch salmon in Alaska's frigid rivers, and exploring the ancient ruins of Rome. Paula faithfully cared for Raymond during his illness and loved him deeply throughout their marriage.

Raymond was proud of his roots in Louise, Texas, where he served as a member of the Louise Volunteer Fire Department and the Knights of Columbus (3rd degree). His professional life spanned many years as a Sales Manager for the Ford Motor Company in Houston before he shifted his focus to his passion for photography. Raymond became well-known for his work with the Houston Livestock Show, county fairs, and bull-riding competitions. He was also a NASCAR photographer when he and Paula lived in North Carolina with their 15 year-old puppy, Callie Rae. Raymond was fiercely funny, ambitious, adventurous, and generous. He had a unique, charismatic charm that could light up any room. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Paula, and three daughters: Sherryl Macha Klimple (Husband Joe Klimple), Stephanie Macha Hessler (Ex-husband Chris Hessler), and Jennifer Zander Ochsner (Daughter of Carolyn Zander Hebert), as well as his cherished grandchildren: Allison Faith Klimple, David Hessler, Abrielle Ochsner, and Brynlie Ochsner. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends whom he loved and prayed for daily. Rest in peace, Dad, Grandpa, R.J. We LOVE YOU MOST," and we will "See you later, Alligator."

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Hattie and Raymond Macha, his sister, Wanda Rae Johnson, grandson Jacob Wayne Klimple,  Donna Johnson Sedoo, David Andres Johnson, David Mark Luchak III, and Carolyn Zander Hebert. Funeral services and a Mass will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Procopius Catholic Church (203 Church St, in Louise, TX 77455). A rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m. at the church, followed by visitation until the time of the services. Burial will follow at St. Procopius Cemetery with a lunch reception in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Raymond's name to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org