He went to Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, SC, served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1961. He met and married his soulmate, Mary Jeanette Ray (Bland) also from Lebanon, Kentucky; they moved to Oneco, FL in 1960. He owned Oneco Marine and was one of the first little league coaches in Manatee county. He retired from Tropicana in 1995 after 31 years, that is when he started Jim Ray’s Truck & Tractor Service.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Marguerite “Betty” Elizabeth Ray, half brothers, Hugh & George Ray & grandson, Jesse J. Fleming. He leaves behind his wife, M. Jeanette Ray of almost 63 years, His daughter Ellen (Ray) & Thomas Fleming of Myakka City, Son, James “Jay” Ray of Bradenton, his Grandchildren, CristyRae (Fleming) & Lynwood Ansley, James A. Ray & Jessica Ray. Great-grandchildren, Jesse, James “Jimmy” & Maryellen Ansley from Bradenton & Stephanie Ansley Garrison from PA. Mr. Ray also leaves behind several special family members- Raquel (Mancillas) Ray, Linda (Bland) & Jerry Reynolds, Teresa Bland, Shirley Bland and many nieces and nephews to forever cherish his memory.
Visitation hour will be held at Manasota Memorial Park on 9/7/2021 at 10am followed by Funeral service at 11am with the burial at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 1:30.
