Raliegh Taylor Conklin was born to Billy Wayne (Bill) Conklin and Loudie Belle Hurst Conklin in Bay City, Texas April 11, 1955. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2024, at the age of 68.

He spent his youth in Hollywood, CA, and attended military school there. His father worked for J.C. Penney as their district art director. His father was a character actor as well as a designer of movie sets. Raleigh learned artwork from his father, he spoke about the joy of their working together. He returned to Bay City to care for his father who had contracted ALS.

Raleigh was a devout Christion man, having devoted his life to serving the Lord. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City. It was at this church that he narrated many Christmas pageants. He donated his time and talent to area churches in the community asking no pay. He always gave the glory to God. He worked for, and with, so many groups during his life in Bay City. He loved acting in plays and was part of the "CAST" Theater group as well as the Wharton Plaza group. He was involved in running lights and boards for Bay City Arts Council. He loved Texas history, going to reenactments at the Alamo with his best buddy David Crockett (the GGGGG grandson of Davy Crockett). Out of all the characters Raleigh portrayed, he liked being Santa the most. Christmas for many in this community will never be the same.

Raleigh helped create permanent exhibits at the Matagorda County Museum, which included the creation of the Children's Museum. Creating the Karankawa Indians display there was one of his favorites and really showcased his creativity. His true love though, was painting. He was a superb muralist, leaving Bay City with several murals he and Greg Chitwood painted. He created signs for many businesses, organizations, and schools in the county.  There was nothing too big, too small, or too difficult.

If you knew Raleigh, then you knew that there were three things he loved and was obsessed with. The Alamo, and anything to do with Star Wars and NASA. Some of Raleigh's best work are paintings of Astronauts/NASA related.

Raleigh is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Loudie Conklin, and his brother Mark Conklin. He is survived by his wife Janet, and numerous relatives.

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday March 9, 2024, at First Baptist Church Bay City with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating.

Thank you to David and Gloria Crockett, Georgie Hadley, David Jansky, Debbie Gonzales and Esmerelda Hein, you helped us so much.