Brenda Delaine Ray, 76, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on March 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Brenda was born in Graceville, Florida on December 6, 1947 and moved to this area 73 years ago. Teaching was her passion, she worked to enrich the lives of her students for over 40 years.
Brenda was preceded in death by her father, A.J. Hightower. She is survived by her husband, Charles "Mike" Ray Sr. of Winter Haven, FL, her sons, Jamie Ray (Maddie) and their daughter Gabrielle Ray of Fayetteville, NC, John (Kristina) and their children Emily and Megan Lane of Fayetteville, NC, and Charles M. Ray Jr. of Winter Haven, FL, her mother, Evelyn Hightower of Bartow, FL, and her siblings; James Mitchell (Eileen) Hightower of Graceville, FL, Sheryl (Gerald) Faulkner of Jasper, GA, David (Sandi) Hightower of Bartow, FL, and Sandi Jo (Robert “Bob”) Nicholas of Clera, AL.
A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, from 1-2:00 p.m. with a service following at 2:00 p.m. at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Auburndale, Florida.
