Wilbur Victor Ray & Claudene Alma Ray

Wilbur Victor Ray, age 92 of Hughson, CA was called home to heaven on Monday August 15, 2016. Wilbur was born July 27, 1924 in Epps LA to Thomas Oda and Lula May Ray. Both parents preceded him in death, as well as his loving wife of 69 years, Claudene Ray; his daughter, Ronna Simmons and his two sisters, Mary Hightower and Claudia Ealy.

Wilbur and Claudene’s love was so strong that they left this life within three days of each other. Wilbur’s priorities were God, Wife and Children, whom he loved dearly and was blessed with 3 children; his son Ronnie T. Ray (Geri Ann) of Pittsburg CA, daughter Ronna Simmons, deceased (Dwight “Butch”) of Albuquerque NM, and daughter Vicki Fontana (Anthony) of Hughson, CA. He was a loving brother and grandfather survived by; his brother, O.C. Ray and sister, Ruby Hendricks, both of Roswell NM; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Wilbur was a strong Christian leader that left a legacy for his family and church. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Modesto CA, served as a Deacon over the years for 4 Baptist churches, including as a Charter Member of Hughson Baptist Mission and Charter Member and building superintendent of Bethel Baptist Church in Roswell, NM and Arboles Baptist Church in Arboles, CO.

Wilbur was a truck driver as soon as he could reach the pedals. He served in World War II from 1943 through 1946 as a U.S. Naval Coxswain. He received two invasion stars for the Marshall Islands and Okinawa. He received honorable discharge after being injured when his ship was hit by a Kamakazi. Wilbur started his own Ceramic Tile business in Roswell NM and in Farmington NM. In 1962, he and his family moved to Modesto CA where he started Modesto Tile Co. In 1980, Wilbur and Claudene moved to Arboles, CO where he was a school bus driver for 8 years before retiring. In 2011, they returned to live out the rest of their lives in Hughson, CA.

Dual Services will be held for both Wilbur and Claudene at Lakewood Memorial Park at 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, CA

Viewing: Sunday, Aug 21st 4-8p.m. Celebration of Life Service: Monday, Aug 22nd 11a.m. to 12p.m. Graveside Service: 12:30 to 1p.m.

Attending Pallbearers are his six grandson’s: Todd Ray, Robert Simmons, Joseph Fontana, Domenic Fontana, Matthew Fontana, and Nathaniel Fontana

Honorary Pallbearers are his nephews: Scotty Hendricks, Cary Hendricks, Ricky Hendricks, O’dean Ray and Michael Ray.