Donald Bradford Ray

Don was born in Milford, Utah to Walter and Florence Ray on August 21, 1927. He was raised in Caliente, Nevada, where he lived and had a happy life there until the time he joined the US Navy in August 1945. Don had two sisters, Barbara and Janie, both preceding him in death.

Don received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nevada on June 12, 1950.

He and his wife, Marilyn, were married on July 22, 1951, and he was a loving and faithful husband until her death on June 4, 2014. In 1956, they made Clearwater their home when they moved here from New Hamburg, NY and resided here ever since. Over the years, they developed and enjoyed many deep and lasting relationships with many from their church, work and neighborhood. They raised two sons, David and Jim, and were blessed with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In 1965, Don trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Bay Ridge Baptist Church in Seminole to publicly profess that decision. He and Marilyn were members of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater and served faithfully from January 1990 until the time of their death. Prior to that, he served as an Elder at Clearwater Community Church for approximately 10 years.

Don worked until he was 90, with the last 30 years as the Comptroller for Hallmark Emblems in Tampa. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and had many friends that he missed when he retired in 2017. Prior to that, he worked in the accounting department of two local mobile home manufacturing companies, Sportcraft Industries and Ray Allen Homes.

Don is survived by sons David Ray (Susan), James Ray (April), grandchildren Angela Ray Goodwin, Jamey Ray, Alisa Ray Phillips, Spencer Ray, Taylor Ray, Hannah Ray Eaton, Sarah Ray and Casey Ray. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Brayden, Caleb, Drew, Palmer, Josie, Noah and Lucy.

He was a loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather, and he was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. However, because of his faith in Jesus Christ, and also our faith in Him, we are comforted with the promise we will be reunited one day.

On August 12, 2025, a visitation will be held at 12:00 PM followed by a service at 1:00, at Sylvan Abbey in Clearwater.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/clearwater-fl/donald-ray-12463977/add-memory