Gerald LaGrande Ray

Gerald Ray never met a stranger. Everyone was equal in his eyes and he never spared a smile. He was possibly the most humorous person in the world, always creating situations that made people laugh. His way was quiet, introspective and deeply caring. Although his family wishes there had been more time, they find solace in knowing that his life was lived to the fullest in his 78 years and each day he shared love, laughter, compassion, knowledge and strength.

His family will always cherish the way he loved his wife, Janie. Together for 55 years, there wasn’t much ground they hadn’t covered. They laughed, loved, cried and persevered together. Raising two daughters, they set an incredible example of commitment to family. A loving father and grandfather, he never missed the chance to share how proud he was of every accomplishment and share wisdom when times were tough. Always seated at the head of the table, he was the definition of a patriarch. He made everything fun for his grandchildren and never missed the chance to be on their level playing games or teaching them something new.

In his spirited younger days, he always made headlines in the stories. He was a graduate of Cartersville High School class of 1959. An amazing friend to many, he never missed the chance to lend a helping hand. He was a proud Marine, and enjoyed reflecting on his time in service. He loved his life as an entrepreneur, operating successful businesses from service stations to towing and auto sales. His doors were always open and friends would frequently stop by, many becoming regulars. Everyone loved to sit and talk with him and he loved to sit and talk with them too. He had many hobbies over the years including golf, drag car and dirt track racing, traveling and spending time with his family. He loved his Liberty Square church family and found friendships and purpose serving as an usher, a member of the counting team, BraveHeart Sunday School Class, Mighty Warriors and had just become a volunteer with Harvest House.

Born October 7, 1941, he lived his entire life in the Cartersville community, growing up in his cherished Atco village where he made several friends that he remained close with throughout his life. He is survived by his loving wife Janie Layton Ray, daughter DeeAnnen Ray Stover, daughter and son-in-law Allison and Trey Wolff and Brother and sister-in-law Doug and Debbie Ray. He has 5 cherished grandchildren, Malorie, Jackson, Chloe, Carys, and Cort. Brother and Sister-in-laws include Norman “Bud” and Maynette Layton , John Layton and Margaret Newton, Joel and Martha Layton and Joyce Layton Rouillard. He is with his loving parents Leonard and Thelma Ray, who both were surely happy to see him again.