Ray Hobbs

4/11/1929 — 2/9/2018

Service Date: 3/17/2018
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April 11, 1929 - Feb. 9, 2018

The Final Whistle

Ray Hobbs passed away Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at Regency Pullman.

Born Raymond H. Hobbs on April 11, 1929, in Acme, Wyo., he was the first child and only son of Raymond and Frances Hobbs. Ray joins his parents and sister Ella, along with wife Josie, in eternal peace.

He is survived by his three children, Jody, John (Liz) and Wesley (Stephanie); six grandchildren, Brian, Michael, Amy, John Wesley, Austin and Molly; and six great-grandchildren.

In 1945, Ray crowned his high school sweetheart, Josie, Homecoming Football Queen. They were grand marshals for the senior prom. They were married Aug. 20, 1948, in Coulee Dam, Wash.

Ray graduated high school from Sheridan High School, Sheridan, Wyo. His junior year, his parents moved to Coulee Dam for a job opportunity. Ray stayed in Sheridan and lived with his high school football coach so he could play high school sports. His summer jobs were working on a family ranch and also working on Grand Coulee Dam. He was a four-year letterman in football, basketball and track and received the "Outstanding Player of the Year" award after his Sheridan High School Broncs won the state football championship.

In 1947, Ray was recruited to play football by Washington State College and his position was fullback and kicking the extra points after touchdowns. Ray played against the likes of University of Southern California Trojans' Frank Gifford and Washington Huskies' Hugh McElhenny, from the golden age of college football.

After graduating from WSC, Ray had several offers to play professional football, but chose to coach football at Pullman High School. Coaching football was always his dream. He taught physical education and coached football for 34 years before retiring after the 1985 season. At the time of his retirement, he was the fourth-winningest coach in Washington high school football history with a 188-104-8 record, including a three-year streak of undefeated teams. He also coached for a two-year period at Davis High School in Yakima, but Pullman was his love. He was the PHS basketball coach for 17 years and later became the athletic director and activities coordinator. There were times when he would coach vacant coaching positions, such as track and golf. He was named Inland Empire Coach of the Year in 1979 and was a member of the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame.

Ray was well-respected in the coaching community throughout the Inland Empire and the entire state of Washington. It was not uncommon for opposing coaches and players to visit him during the offseason.

He came out of retirement to assist the Lewiston High School Bengals as the defensive coach for two years and then had a successful stint coaching eight-man football for the Colton Wildcats. While at these two stops, Ray acquired more friendships. After his second retirement, Ray helped his son, Wes, coach at North Central High School in Spokane.

It was the Hobbs philosophy that whatever you do in life deserves all you've got.

"If you give it 110 percent, that's all anyone can ask."

Three of his former players went on to play professional football. He commanded respect from every player. He always wanted to win the game, but the player was always more important than the win.

Famous for his crew-cut hair style, one PHS football game listed only one injury. It was Coach Hobbs getting a little too excited on the sideline kicking a yard-line marker. The football field at Pullman High School is now Hobbs Field.

Ray was always appreciative of the many teachers, coaches and administrators who supported him. He was a true gentleman who would do anything to help others in need.

An avid outdoorsman, during the offseason Ray loved to spend time in the canyons in his native Wyoming or in the wilderness in northern Idaho camping, hunting or fishing.

The family will gather for a private graveside service at Pullman Cemetery.

A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. March 17 in the new Pullman High School gymnasium. Attendees are encouraged to wear Blue and Gray.

The Hobbs family is forever grateful for the continued support and love provided for Ray by friends, Regency Pullman and Hospice.

Ray wanted to let all the honyocks out there know that he and Josie sure appreciated all the friends they have made since coming to Pullman in 1948.

Memorials may be made in Ray and Josie's name to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, directing funds to be used for breast cancer research.