Ray enlisted in the United States Navy, March 30, 1948 – February 8, 1950 and served on the USS Dixie as a Fireman Apprentice. During this time we know he received the Naval Occupational Medal and the China Service Medal. Ray, re-enlisted in the Navy, January 12, 1951 – December 1, 1954 and served as a Fireman on the USS Yorktown during the Korean War. During his tour on the USS Yorktown, Ray boxed and at one time was named the Golden Glove Boxing Champion. During this time we know he received the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Medal.
Ray was predeceased by his father, Roma Ray, and mother, Gratie Ray, 4 brothers and 1 sister, Otho Ray, Theo Ray, Quentin Ray, Chester Ray, and Pam Blackburn. Ray is survived by 1 brother and sister-in-law Carl Eugene Ray and Paulette of Oregon. Son, Donald Ray, daughter and son-in-law Cynthia Ray Sloan and Kenny of Riverside, CA. 4 grandchildren, Kenneth (KJ) Sloan, Stephanie Sloan, Daniel Ray, and Devon Ray, and 5 great grandchildren, Samantha, Alyssa, Ashlyn, Michael, and Cayden also from Riverside, CA. Ray had many nieces and nephews. His family is a big one, the branches may go wide but the roots hold them together and the love that holds the bind.
Ray has always been a man who loved his family and friends and enjoyed living his life to the fullest. He loved to play cards, and dancing every chance he got.
Pallbearers will be:
Eugene Ray, Donald Ray, Archie Hughes, Fred Meddings, Paul Cornejo, and Marshall Padilla
