Ralph "Rock" Ray, Jr., 85, passed away Monday,April 23, 2018. Born in Tipton, Indiana, Rock was the son of the late Ralph Sr. and Edna Ray. Rock graduated from Portland High School, and then served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Ball State University and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Rock began his career at General Motors in Muncie,
Indiana. In 2001, he retired from Liberty Homes of Goshen, Indiana, after 33 years. He was a member of Sonrise Church, and was an active participant in the church’s long-time support of Operation Christmas Child - Samaritan’s Purse. Rock enjoyed spending time on the beach (an appreciation he acquired while stationed on Midway Island), summers in Northern Michigan, and traveling with his wife & longtime friends. He had a particular passion and skill for playing practical jokes on his children and grandchildren. Above all else, he loved being with his family. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Sandra Ray of
Fort Wayne; children, David (Sarah) Mahorney of Ulysses, KS, Elizabeth (Jay) Reynolds of Lafayette, Michael (Amy) Ray, Bryan (Kathy) Ray both of Fort Wayne, Becky (Tim) Warton of Broomfield, CO, Amy (Jeff) Hodgson of Syracuse; 27 grandchildren
(aka “Turkeys”); and 11 great-grandchildren. Rock was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tara, and brothers, John & Richard. A private Graveside
Service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, with Rev. Scott Pattison officiating. A celebration of life memorial gathering will be held at a later date, details to be announced. Memorials may be made to the Sonrise Church and Campus Ministry at IPFW.
D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
