Michael J. Ray

Mike was born on August 22, 1948 in Sylacauga to the late Charles Ray and Edna Miller. After graduating High School in 1966 from Sylacauga High, he met the love of his life, JonEtta Gardner and married soon after. He then enlisted in the Army and after serving for 8 years, he went on to get his Bachelor of Arts in 1983 and his Master of Ministry in Ministry/Preaching in 2015. He worked at the VA Medical Center for 31 years in Birmingham, AL and in Jackson, MS.

Mike is survived by his wife, Etta, and their children: Kevin (Kerri) Ray of Childersburg, AL: Todd (Mandy) Ray of Salem, AL and Robin (Brian) Whitworth of Talladega, AL. Mike and Etta have 9 grandchildren: Cassidy (Jacob) Tickal, Lydia Ray, Gatlin (Destinee) Ray, Peter Whitworth, Rachel (Lance) Smith, Scott Ray, Chase Ray and Nora Whitworth. They also have a great grandchild, Wes Smith.

Services will be held at Childersburg Church of Christ on Friday, January 24, 2025. Visitation will be from 1 pm – 2 pm with the funeral to begin at 2 pm. There will be no graveside service. Mike will be buried at Greenhill Memorial Gardens in Childersburg.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Ray, Todd Ray, Brian Whitworth, Peter Whitworth, Gatlin Ray, Scott Ray, Chase Ray, Ronnie Ray, Terry Ray, Jacob Tickal, Lance Smith, and Wes Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Childersburg church of Christ Elders and Deacons: Ray Giddens, Gene Welch, Frank Grice and Luther Connell.

The Ray Family would like to say a special thank you to the wonderful nurses at Southern Care/New Beacon Hospice for their exceptional care and support of our family during this time.