Larry D. Ray

Our beloved grandfather, father, and husband Larry David Ray passed away at 11:00am on August 31st 2015. Larry died while mowing the grass, which you should know was his favorite passed time aside from spoiling his eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Larry was born April 28th,1948 at home in Dela Plaine, Arkansas - as the youngest of 13 children. Larry is survived by his wife of 38 years - Bonnie Ray - who he loved dearly. He will be greatly missed by his children, Chris Ray (Janine Ray), Tina Cardosi (Wayne Cardosi), & Joe Hartman. Larry's grandchildren were some of the luckiest kids around to be Pa's buddies, Teah Brannam (Tom Brannam), Tiffany Workman (Denny Workman), Timmy Huff (Kim Heck), Zack Ray, Tyler Ray, Braden Ray, Amber Hartman, Heather Hartman, Morgan Cardosi, and Eric Cardosi. Great Grandchildren; Miles Brannam, Doris Brannam, Blake Workman, Carmela Niccoli, & Xander Heck. In addition to a family who will miss him dearly, he will also be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and friends.

Larry also enjoyed sharing stories from his time in the US Army where he served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War as part of the 101st Airborne Division and 4th Infantry. Larry Took great pride in his continued volunteer work at Jefferson Barracks Powder Keg Museum. He also volunteered as a member of the Gateway Chapter of the 101st Airborne Association, the VFW, and was a lifetime member of Amvets.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 3, 2015, 4-8:00 pm at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, Mo. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 4, 8:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment at National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tn. 38148-0142 appreciated.