Ray was born on November 28, 1927 in Mansfield, Ohio. He was the son of George and Ethel (Fox) Ellison. Ray retired after 43 years from the Ohio Brass Company. He served in the United States Air Force during both World War II and the Korean War. Ray reached the position of Staff Sergeant in the Air Force and was nominated to enter Officer Training School, but refused the nomination by his commanding officer in order to return to Mansfield to raise a family.
Ray’s record of service in both the Mansfield Madison schools and as a member of First English Lutheran Church are truly legendary. Ray served as a volunteer at Madison Schools for over 60 years, as attendant at the northeast gate in football, and host for the visitors’ locker rooms in football and basketball games. He did this work even when living in Wadsworth for ten years, driving two hours roundtrip sometimes twice weekly. Later in his career, he volunteered at Friday night games within hours of leaving dialysis treatments. When he ended that service at 88 years old, he still wished to be able to continue doing so.
As part of First English Lutheran church, he participated in many social and relief efforts, including multiple projects in Florida after Hurricane Andrew. He later in retirement was the dishwasher coordinator for the First Lutheran Soup Kitchen for decades.
An involved father and grandfather, Ray delighted in watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting and musical events. He even attended the 1969 Tangerine Bowl to watch his son Jim play for Davidson College. But nothing showed his commitment to family more than when he would spend hours and days just sitting quietly with his dying son-in-law, Jim Rice. His love for Jim and his commitment to do the right thing just went hand in hand.
Ray is survived by his children, James (Karen) Ellison, Susan Rice, David (Debbie) Ellison, and Larry (Kathy) Howell; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Ellison, AnnMarie Ellison, Jonathan (Amy) Rice, Jeffrey Rice, Bethany (John) Stoker, Patrick (Elizabeth) Ellison, Christopher Howell, Karen Cortez, Michael Howell, Dana Cook, and Johnny Ray Howell; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Reta (Leininger) Ellison; and son-in-law, James Rice.
Family and friends may gather from 10:00 -11:00 am on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at First English Lutheran Church, 53 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, OH. A Celebration of Ray’s Life will follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: James A. Rice Memorial Scholarship, #1301346, University of Toledo Foundation, in memory of his beloved son-in-law.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Ellison family.
