Ray E. Wilcox

Ray E. “Bud” Wilcox, age 71, passed away on December 9, 2025, in Corrales, New Mexico. He was born on June 28, 1954, in Wellsville, New York, to Ray R. Wilcox and Shirlee Wigent Wilcox.

Bud attended Canandaigua High School during the 1970–1971 school year in New York and later graduated from Sandia High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1972. On July 28, 1973, he married the love of his life, Deborah Bauer, in Albuquerque. They shared 52 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and family.

Bud was self-employed from the age of 19 and was known for his creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship. He designed and manufactured beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry and also designed “Man Machine” interface software for industrial controls. His work reflected both his artistic talent and technical brilliance.

He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. Bud is survived by his wife, Deborah Bauer Wilcox of Corrales, New Mexico; his daughters, Deanna Trujillo of Idaho and Kristen Hatch of Tennessee; his sisters, Jackie Payne of Florida and Marlene Ware of New York; and his cherished grandchildren, Marina, Willow, Noah, Dylan, and Tyler.

Bud had many interests and passions, including Corvettes, cycling, traveling, politics, Great Danes, renovating old homes, and most of all, spending time with his family.

He often reflected on life with the words: “We are only here for a blink of the eye, Love Bud

An intimate, small remembering gathering will be held at a later date.