Ramuel Wasserman

Ramuel Irvin Wasserman, age 96, passed away Saturday, May 13 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on September 1, 1920. Ray graduated with a pharmacy degree from The University of Texas in 1941. In November of that year, he married fellow pharmacy student Frances Bornstein, of Presov, Czechoslovakia. They were blessed with love and fulfillment for 57 splendid years. Ray enlisted in the Navy in July, 1942, spending two years in the South Pacific on the USS LCI-713. He was released from active duty in November, 1945 as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He then served in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1955. After the war, Ray and Frances settled in Corpus Christi, where they purchased their first pharmacy, The Economical. Other pharmacies soon followed: West End, Town and Country, Bayview, Bayview 2 and Crown. Recognizing an opportunity, Ray incorporated gift sections in pharmacies, the first of their kind in South Texas. Later, Ray and Frances opened their first gift store, Card & Quill. The store's success led to more Card and & Quill stores in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley. Shortly after retirement, Ray and Frances realized they were not done, so they opened another gift store, Franceska's, named after Frances. Throughout Ray's years in business endeavors, he and Frances were also involved in the civic, arts and Jewish communities. Ray, known for his integrity, held leadership positions and was extremely philanthropic, never hesitating to help an organization or person in need. He and Frances were particularly devoted champions of the State of Israel, touring there multiple times. Ray was a loving and generous father, grandfather and great grandfather. His family meant everything to him. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and his daughter, Cathy Wasserman. He is survived by his children, Marcia Burney (Ross), Stephanie Beasley (Marvin), David Wasserman (Neil Hart), Julie Pomerantz (David) and son-in-law Stuart Pastor. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Darryn Beasley (Dolly), Jason Burney, Jill Erlichman (Ron), Joanna Pines (Eric), Daniel Pastor, Erin Pomerantz, Jonathan Pomerantz; many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Miriam Grossman. The family wishes to express deepest appreciation for the respectful care provided by Trevana Hines. All will treasure the memories of Ray's wisdom, unerring advice, dry sense of humor and bright blue eyes. It was Ray's wish that donations be made to one's charity of choice.

Ramuel Wasserman

September 1, 1920 - May 13, 2017