Robert Harold Ray Sr.

The Ray Family likes to think that if a Heavenly Hunting and Fishing Department existed, he would be issued a divine license so that he could continue to explore rivers, streams, lakes, and fields as he did throughout his time on Earth.

Bob met Virgina Smallwood in English class at the University of Missouri in 1955 and began dating her after graduation. They married on August 11, 1963, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. As described by Bob’s parents, it was a day that was “hot enough to melt candles.”

Bob loved the outdoors and taking family trips. In the 1970s, a pop-up camper launched countless visits to Lake of the Ozarks, which would continue through a series of trailer homes and ski, pontoon, and fishing boats, eventually becoming a gathering site for extended family. Together, they spent many weekends camping in the spring, summer, and fall. The Ray Family also journeyed to international destinations by plane and cruise ship, and as the family grew, they traveled with their daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

While Bob loved traveling with his family, he also enjoyed trips where he fished in Missouri and Minnesota, as well as on fishing boats anchored in ocean waters. When he wasn’t fishing, you could find him hunting pheasants, quail, doves, and geese across Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. Also among his passions were woodworking and yardwork, both which gave him a reason to use a power tool. Bob lived a life where he did what he loved and loved what he did. This was also demonstrated by his professional accomplishments.

Bob was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He majored in meat science and graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in 1960. Bob’s career began in a food science laboratory. Learning that the laboratory environment was not the most satisfying for him, he found success when he attended sales meetings, later becoming a sales executive. His job required traveling the country to meet customers and train junior sales team members. Since Bob loved a good road trip, he would frequently opt for driving over flying, especially after his children grew older and were no longer living at home. He was accompanied by his wife, Virginia, after her retirement.

Bob also devoted time to his community by serving as an usher at Colonial Presbyterian, his family church. Through Scouting, he joined the fund development team after years of Troop leadership. Bob was also a member of the Shriners and Freemasons. He accepted the invitation to join the Royal Order of Jesters, a fraternal organization affiliated with the Shriners. His experience on homeowner association boards led him to local government meetings discussing planning and zoning issues.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Virginia (Smallwood); his siblings June, Gale, and Peggy; his children Lora, Tom, and David; his daughters-in-law Allie and Gennell; grandchildren Michelle, Nikki, Corbin, Tyler, Marshall, and Avery, and his great-grandchildren Nicholas and Matthew. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Velora, his son Rob, his brother-in-law Jim Vaughan, many friends, and his beloved pets Stoney, Betsy, Sox, Megan, and Smythe.

A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131 with the Visitation beginning at 2:00 PM, followed by the Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM, and a reception immediately afterward. The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking the link below under 'Services'.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriners Children’s Hospital - donate.shrinerschildrens.org/StLouis