Willard Rayburn Macnelly

Mr. Willard Rayburn MacNelly, 75, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, scout leader, and friend entered into the glory of his eternal life on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Valley Baptist medical Center in Harlingen, Texas with his family at his side.

Born in San Perlita, Texas, he joined the Boy Scouts of America as a young boy and that quickly became a lifelong passion. Rayburn attended school in Raymondville and it was there that he met his main passion in lifehis wife Sue. He earned his degree in accounting with minors in law and economics.

Rayburn started his career with Long Chilton and then moved on to Boca Chica Marine. He was then appointed Cameron County Auditor and held that position for 20 years. He served as President of the Association from 199091. After retiring from the County, Rayburn then continued his career at Drainage District 5 and was there until 2001 when he decided it was time to really retire. He then dedicated himself completely to the Boy Scouts.

Rayburn initiated the very first Camp Perry Navy by recruiting friends who had boats and were willing to donate their time to taking boys out fishing. This was a first for Camp Perry and local Boy Scouts got to enjoy fishing in the bay for many years. Rayburn was one of the creators in 1994, of the high adventure camp, Laguna Station located on South Padre Island.

Following the complete success of Camp Perry Navy, Rayburn again reached out to friends asking them to donate their time and resources to create a fishing program. Boy Scouts from all across the Nation came down to enjoy sailing, fishing, and learning all about marine biology. Laguna Station became a big success largely due to Rayburns continued drive and passion for the program.

Rayburn was a registered Boy Scout for 66 years. During that time Rayburn earned his Eagle, Explorer Silver Award, The District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, Golden Beaver, the Paissano Award, the James E. West Award, Citizen of Year, and the Explorer Spurgeon Award. Rayburn was the first youth to receive vigil of the Order of the Arrow for the Rio Grande Valley.

Throughout his life, Rayburn dedicated his life to his family, friends, and scouting. He was a good and decent man who was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all those fortunate to have known him.

Rayburn was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of him is his loving wife of 56 years, Sue MacNelly a daughter, Jane Denise Rookwood a son, Warren Ray MacNelly and his wife Mary Lou five grandchildren: Marshall Melissa MacNelly, Jody Rob Powell, John Randall MacNelly, Michael Rookwood, and Heather Rookwood five greatgrandchildren and all his Scouting family.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013, in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. The Funeral Service celebrating Rayburns life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2013, in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. Committal services will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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