Local rodeo legend Raymond Hulin, 65, who was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2005, died Sunday, Oct. 28.

Hulin was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse in 1981 and was dependent on a respirator. He had been ill for about four months, his sister, Shirley DeCuir, said.

Through the pain of losing a sibling, DeCuir said she is now at peace because her brother is now at peace.

“Where he got the courage to do what he’s done, I don’t know,” she said. “His strength, determination, courage are a legacy of a great man admired by many.”

Beginning the rodeo lifestyle at the age of 13, Hulin earned the Texas State High School Championship in Halletsville and in college he won the Southern Region National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship. He went pro in 1964 and form 1966 to 1968 served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor in Vietnam.

Later in his career Hulin established the Raymond Hulin Rodeo Equipment Company with specially designed bareback riggings in Kamay.

Hulin is survived by his daughter; Stacy Hulin of Dallas, son; Steven Hulin of Port Neches, two sisters; Shirley DeCuir and husband, Ronald, of Groves, and Sharon Roccaforte and husband, Camille of Port Arthur and one grandchild; Cayden Hulin. He was preceded in death by his brother; Ronald Hulin.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Reverend J.C. Coon of St. James Catholic Church will be officiating.