Marvin "Skip" Marion Ray Jr.

Skip’s work ethic and desire to stay out of trouble led to him enlisting in the Navy on the Military Buddy Program in March 1965 at the age of 18 with his best friend Ronnie Martin. Although Skip never mentioned it, Ronnie said, "Skip was a war hero. He saved our whole unit in Vietnam".

He served for 2 years in Vietnamese waters aboard the USS Coral Sea, but he only stuck it out for one war, and apparently counted the days before his discharge, however, the government exchanged numerous ribbons and medals for various honorable acts.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Vietnam Service Medal with the bronze star

Vietnam Campaign Medal with device

National Defense Service Medal

Navy Unit Commendations Ribbon

Skip worked many years for the city of Arlington Transportation Department where you could find him messing with the lights during the Ranger games. Skip worked his way up and became a foreman and then took his early retirement.

After retiring you could find him at the lake, helping relatives and friends with household projects. He was always there to help, give advice, or just for a big wet kiss.

Skip took fashion cues from no one. His signature everyday look was suspenders and a flannel shirt, and you could always find him kicked back in his recliner watching western movies with his beloved dog Boots.

Skip is preceded in death by his father, Marvin, his mother, Thelma, and his older sister Patsy. He is survived by his wife, Janis Cushman, whom he married in March of 2009; and his brothers and sister, Frank, Sherry, David, and Danny.

Skip is survived by his 3 loving sons: Marvin (Tonya) Ray, Russell Ray, Jerry (Samantha) Ray, 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, and his dog Boots.

He is also survived by his stepdaughter Diana (Shawn) Kondratiuk, stepdaughter Rose Cipolla, stepson Salvator Cipolla, and stepdaughter Becky (Troy) Harvey, and 4 grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. Skip was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone.

A visitation for Skip will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 16, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012. A committal service will occur Friday, September 16, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Moore Memorial Gardens, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012.

Serving as pallbearers are Travis Dawson, Shawn Kondratiuk, Corbin Ray, Jeffry Ray, Johnathan Ray, Marvin Ray Jr., and Thomas Ray.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Ray family.