Mr. Ray S. Autrey

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and his community through distinguished careers as an officer and detective for the Fresno Police Department and a carpenter and locksmith for Fresno Unified School District.

Ray loved to travel with his wife,Thelma, in their motorhome and to square dance with their friends in the Steppers & Stompers. He was quick to help and slow to judge. He was hardworking and soft-spoken. He was a skilled craftsman, a steadfast friend, and an extraordinarily caring and generous human being. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ray was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Thelma; his three children and their spouses, Judy and Jack Nelson, Larry and Pei Ling Autrey, and Tim and Suzette Autrey; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Monday, January 7, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

Remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army or to the donor's favorite charity.