Carlos Ray Vacek was born on October 30, 1936, and passed away on May 9, 2026, at the age of 89.

Carlos had many constants in his life: family, hard work, hard play, his pets, and his TCU Horned Frogs.

He grew up in Blessing, TX, making mischief and memories through his adventures alongside his older brother, E. R. Vacek. Carlos was a talented multi-sport athlete for the Tidehaven Tigers. From there, he was offered a scholarship to play football at Texas Christian University, where he played in two Cotton Bowls and the Bluebonnet Bowl. He was especially proud of his team's 28-27 victory over Syracuse University, led by Jim Brown, in the 1957 Cotton Bowl. On any given Saturday, you could find him watching the Horned Frogs on TV or supporting them at the stadium alongside his family and many classmates from college. One of the proudest moments of his life was watching his son, Damon, follow in his footsteps by playing football at TCU and seeing both his daughter, Carla, and Damon graduate from his alma mater.

Carlos lived a life marked by dedication, integrity, generosity, and quiet strength. A proud member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, he carried the values of honor, discipline, and service throughout every chapter of his life.

He graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in finance and went on to build a remarkable career in banking that spanned more than 50 years. His professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence earned him recognition within the banking industry, including a distinguished banking award that reflected the respect he earned from colleagues and the community alike.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church Orange, he lived his faith daily through kindness, generosity, and compassion toward others. He was known as a giving and honest man whose integrity never wavered. He believed in treating people fairly, offering forgiveness freely, and helping wherever he could. He was as generous as he was frugal.

Outside of work and church, he found his greatest peace and enjoyment in the outdoors, beside a crackling fire and never far from his many beloved dogs. He loved clearing land, working with his hands, and spending time on the water. Whether enjoying nature or sharing stories with friends and family, he appreciated life's simple and meaningful moments.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beth Tinney Vacek; his children, Carla Vacek Towson and Damon Ray Vacek and wife, Kelli; his grandchildren, Kenli Elizabeth Vacek, Valon Avery Vacek, Anson Ray Vacek, and Hunt Towson; his nephews, Kenny Vacek and wife, Letty, and Glenn Vacek and wife, Holly; and his nieces, Ginger Collins and husband, Ricky, and Penny Acuna and husband, Dray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Alice Vacek; and his brother, E. R. Vacek, and wife, Billie Louise.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Dorman - Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 8808 Highway 87 North, Orange, Texas. Mr. Stephen Gault will be officiating. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, Texas.

Pallbearers are Dray Acuna, Kenny Vacek, Glen Vacek, Lee Harris, Charley Elkins, Michael Richard, Juan Gomez, and Davies Reyes.

Honorary pallbearers are Pete Sterling, Bill Pryor, Mike Madding, Valon Vacek, Anson Vacek, Hunt Towson, James Thornton, and Andrew Hayes - Stoker