Albert Ray Andrews Jr.

Ray was born on June 14, 1953, in Jackson, MS, to Mr. Albert Ray Andrews, Sr and Mrs. Charlene Black Andrews. He was the oldest of 3 children. In 1983 Ray met the love of his life Denise McKnight and on June 12, 2021, they were married.

Ray graduated from the ED Center in Jackson, MS and received an associate degree from Hinds Junior College and then went on to Mississippi State University to study Psychology.

Early he worked in electronics with several copier repair service companies. He “retired” the first time to become a caretaker for both his mother and dad for over 15 years until their deaths. Later he worked for several DME/Respiratory companies as a technician and driver. With his caring and compassionate disposition, he could connect with people of all ages and formed lasting impressions with people to whom he encountered. He retired for the second time in 2024.

Ray enjoyed living life to the fullest. He never backed down or away from a challenge. He had a calm demeanor which allowed him to give thought into everything before reacting. He loved to travel, which he and Denise were able to do. His several trips to the Caribbean were among his favorite memories. He also traveled early in life overseas and always had fun stories to share about those adventures.

He had several passions including photography, music, airplanes, cars, and guns. He loved spending time listening to, playing and studying music, his preference being rock and roll. He loved the image of being a long-haired rock and roller. His appearance remained the same, with the whiteness of hair becoming more dominant much to his dismay, however keeping the length. It was a chore to get him in for a trim. He learned how to play the guitar at a young age and got great pleasure in playing. His guitars were some of his most cherished possessions. He had tremendous love for airplanes and cars. He learned to fly as a teenager and obtained his pilot's license. He loved the freedom of the sky. He also enjoyed both recreational and competitive shooting. He was a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment and could/would argue his opinions.

Devotion and love for family and friends were immeasurable. He developed lasting friendships with many. Giving time and support was how he lived his life. He always put other needs before his own. He loved quiet weekend mornings lying in bed, drinking coffee. He always dreamed big and lived that way also. He loved playing the lottery and never gave up on a chance to win.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents.

Those let to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Denise McKnight Andrews; brothers, Charles Andrews (Patty) and John Andrews (Michelle); nieces, Amy Andrews and Katie Andrews Reece (Matthew); great-nephews, Oliver, Vincent, Colton, Cade, and Charles; great-niece Eleanor; and godson, Damon G. McKnight.

The family will hold private services at a later date.

“For whether we live, live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” – Romans 14:8