Ray Henderson Findley

As a baby the family moved to Tulare where he received his schooling through twelfth grade. That same year he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ray served as a pharmacist mate. After he was discharged from the service he attended the College of the Sequoias in Visalia for one and a half years.

The next few years Ray was in retail sales. In 1954, he worked for Cal Best Poultry as a driver/salesman; this led to a move to Bakersfield where he was their district manager. The company went out of business and in 1959 Ray was employed by the John Morrell Meat Company as sales representative. In 1972, the company transferred Ray to the West Coast and the family settled in Ojai. He worked for them until his retirement in 1987.

Ray’s favorite pastime was riding his motorcycle of which he had many sports models, mostly Japanese, throughout the years. Ray still rode his motorcycle until his stroke in 2010. He also loved reading his Bible and listening to all kinds of music. Ray enjoyed having coffee every morning with his friends at a local restaurant.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings; Doris, Helen, Harvey and Vera. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, La Deane; daughter and son-in-law, Deena Rae and Larry Elshere; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Christine Finley; five grandchildren, Eric and Michelle Elshere and Daniel, Samuel and Nathanael Findley; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the Continuing Care Center of the Ojai Valley Hospital for their excellent care.

A graveside service will be held Monday, August 8, 2011, 1:00 P.M. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura. Pastor Ron Triggs from the Church of the Living Christ will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.