Ray was born on January 15, 1956 in Warrenton, Virginia to the late Donald Ray, Sr. and Phyllis Sheppard Hopkins Putnam.
A graduate of Brentsville High School, Ray attended Northern Virginia Community College and attained an Associate degree in Homeland Security from Everest University. Quick to bring a smile, he never met a stranger and was loved by many.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his grandparents, Newman and Reba Hopkins, as well as his grandson, Ayden Christopher, and many loved ones.
Ray is survived by his wife, Ella Gay Hopkins; daughter, Deidre Michelle Johnson (William); sons, Caleb Ray Hopkins (Megan), Joshua Aaron Hopkins (Rachael), Devin Ryan Hopkins (Amber); stepmother Arlene Hopkins; sister, Deborah Lynn Viars; brother, Curtis Lee Hopkins; 5 grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of Ray's life will be held at a later date at Teague Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's memory to Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle or the American Diabetes Association.
