Mr. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Fannie Lou Hamner and Marvin Ray, of Tuscaloosa, and his siblings – Lucille Rainey, Leslie Ray, and M.B. Ray – all of Tuscaloosa.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jackie Smith Ray of Northport; daughter, Leah Helen Ray, formerly of Northport and current resident of Nashville, Tennessee; stepchildren Rick Smith, Shelley Smith, and Scotty Smith; step grandchildren Amber Brown, Camden Smith, Caroline Smith, and Heather Spencer; and numerous extended family members.
Mr. Ray was born in Holt, Alabama on April 28, 1942. He graduated from Holt High School in 1960. He was a proud member of the US Army National Reserves and attended the University of Alabama. After owning All Seasons Air Conditioning and holding positions in pipe fabrication, pipe fitting, and plumbing, he had a stellar, 40+ year career in multiple leadership roles at McAbee Construction Company in Tuscaloosa.
He was a 50+ year member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. He was also a member of numerous plumbing, electrical, and HVAC-related associations, where he achieved highest honors and accolades including Master Plumber and Master Gas Fitter. After retiring in 2017, Mr. Ray continued multiple educational and industry-related pursuits, including the achievement of real estate and home inspection-related certifications.
An avid gardener, photographer, builder, craftsman, and all-around mechanical and technical expert, Mr. Ray was known by all for his sweet disposition, kind heart, belief in the Lord, and dedication to lifelong learning. Our “Bud,” Papa John, and Doc will be terribly missed by his family and friends.
Services will be at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25th, at Sunset Funeral Home in Northport with Pastor Joe Armour officiating. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Bud Patton, Eddie Yessick, Mark Gurganus, John Faile, David Parr, Dwight McKinstry, and Scotty Smith.
Honorary pallbearers include Leroy McAbee, current and former employees of McAbee Construction Company, members of Plumbers Local 372, the team at Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, and the men’s ministry at First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (samaritanspurse.org).
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5