For nearly three decades, Wilburn “Willy” Raby devoted his career to coaching football, track, and cross country in Pasadena ISD. A Corsicana native, Raby played football and basketball before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sam Houston State University, launching a coaching career that began in Pasadena ISD in 1952.

Raby coached at Southmore Junior High for nine years before joining Sam Rayburn High School in 1964, where he spent 16 years as a defensive backs coach and head coach for track and cross country. His athletes earned six district track titles, two cross country district championships, and one regional team championship, with more than 130 regional qualifiers and nearly 30 advancing to state. Many of his standout athletes, including Bert Coan, Lee Lucas, Andy Snelson, and Mark Vincent, went on to leave their mark at the state and national level. After his tenure in Pasadena, Raby moved to New Mexico, where he coached girls’ track to three consecutive state championships.

Known for his discipline and high standards, Raby’s impact extended beyond victories, shaping the lives of countless students and athletes. He retired from Pasadena ISD in 1980 and was inducted into the Texas Gulf Coast Scholastic Track & Field Coaches Hall of Honor in 2012.

Today, Raby continues to inspire with his mantra to “keep on keeping on.” Surrounded by family, former athletes, and friends, he celebrated his 95th birthday in 2022. Though he resides in Groesbeck, he still calls Pasadena home.