Joseph William Ray

Joseph William Ray, III died peacefully at the age of 76, on January 19, 2021 surrounded by his family. Joe was born at Craig Field, in Selma, Alabama on April 17, 1944. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ray, Jr. and Wanda Jean May Ray.

A lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, Joe graduated from Upper Arlington High School with the class of 1962. He attended The Ohio State University where he graduated in 1966 with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Joe was a founding member of the Alpha Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, a national professional fraternity organized to promote and sustain the interest of insurance and risk management professions. He was a member of the OSU President's Club, and always remained a loyal supporter of University sports and academics. Joe enjoyed a 55-year career with the Ray Insurance Agency in Columbus and was proud to continue his business into its fourth generation. He served as board member and President of the "Big I", now known as the Ohio Insurance Agents Association.

Joe was a 50-year member of First Community Church, a member of the Upper Arlington Civic Association, Past-President of Tri-Village Jaycees, and was always involved in community and youth activities.

Joe loved spending his summers on the French River, Ontario, Canada where he served as President of the Solid Comfort Fishing Club. He was a Life Member of Scioto Country Club, as well as a member of Imperial Golf Club, Naples, Florida.

Joe had a passion for golf, he loved fishing, and traveling with his wife, Susan. He found most joy building memories with his 9 grandchildren, rarely missing any of their events.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Susan; their three children, Joe Ray IV(Kristin), Kara Rappolt (Matt), and David Ray (Sarah); and 9 grandchildren, Reed, Thomas, Patrick and Danny Ray; Henry, Ted and Ben Rappolt; Maggie and Taylor Ray, all of Columbus. He is also survived by his siblings, Nancy Berlin (Geoff) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Richard Ray (Nancy) of Columbus; sister-in-law, Ann Morehead (Don) of San Francisco, California. Due to Covid exposure, the services are postponed until a later date. Please visit www.Schoedinger.com periodically for updated information.”

Family has entrusted SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd. with arrangements.