Rayford "Ray" E. Ginn

Ray was born on April 19, 1927 to Cecil and Blanche Ginn in Newlin which is a small farming community near Memphis, Texas. When he was about 12 years old, they moved to the Flagg community, which is near Dimmit, Texas, where Cecil took up farming. Ray attended Dimmit High School while helping work the farm. He graduated from high school in 1944 when he was 17.

World War II was going on at the time and Ray was too young to join the military, so he signed up for the Merchant Marines in order to help the war effort. When he was old enough, he joined the Marines and was about to enter the war when it ended. He was honorably discharged shortly thereafter.

After the war Ray returned to Texas where he met June Heard and they were married on December 24, 1947. Together they raised a family of three children; Gary, Mark and Lori.

In 1953, Ray and June moved to Lubbock, Texas so Ray could attend Texas Tech College. He graduated in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in horticulture. In 1959, the family moved to Yuma, Arizona and in 1962 they relocated and settled in Tempe, Arizona.

Ray attended the First Southern Baptist Church of Tempe (now known as Church On Mill) and became an ordained Deacon. In 1986, he became a charter member and helped start Corona Baptist Church of Chandler. He loved to play the guitar and sing in the church choir.

Ray is predeceased by his lovely wife, June and son, Mark. He is survived by his son, Gary (Lindy) and daughter, Lori (Kirk) five grandchildren; Aaron (Lisa), Melissa (Matt), Megan (Mike), Scott and Daniel and five great grandchildren; Jacob, Hannah, Eli, Isaac and Amie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray's memory may be made to Arizona Chapter Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3877 N 7th St, Suite 300, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.