March 23, 2024

    I met Roger in Broad Ripple during 1985. Unfortunately we broke apart. I have always wondered how his life turned out.
                                                                                             Bless you Roger.

Johnna K. Baldwin
490 N. 18th St. Noblesville, IN 46060

                                                     Long Live The Meebersneeps!

My condolences to Roger's family and friends.  

I enjoyed meeting  Roger through his sister and hanging out a few times.   Roger was all the things ...intelligent, funny (with a hint of sarcasm and ability to imitate people), friendly, helpful, talented, generous with his time and significantly taller than me.    A couple of memories with Roger that stand out: 
Roger introduced me to Boz Scaggs' music, which inspired going to a  Boz concert a few years later.  Roger selflessly volunteered to  install a wheel for my fence gate to function, and would not give up until he figured out a custom solution, which took all day and involved a memorable road trip to a farm supply specialty shop with baby chicks running around, Roger telling jokes all the way there and back, and ended with Roger bumping his head hard (he's tall) on the beam of my low hanging roof .  What struck me was Roger's persistence to solve a problem while giving up his day off and joking around through all the bumps along the way.  Thank you Roger for sharing your gifts.  I think of and appreciate you every time I open the gate and listen to Boz Scaggs.  Rest in Peace brother.  Sandy H.

I had the good fortune to become acquainted w/ Roger in his later years of life thru Apryl . I had wondered who was this man that managed to steal the heart of my ferociously independent & particular friend . It became apparent something had changed in her glow & indeed it was love . To see two people find & embrace the chance at love again in later years is such a precious & beautiful thing to witness. It was easy to see why Roger was so successful in his professional life as he parlayed those gifts of dedication & kindness to my friend  . It will take a long time for me not to see the memory of Roger popping in to see his Apryl with a smile & something to drink or eat  as I sit in her shop . His warmth & friendliness & ability to talk just about anything kept us all up one night until 2:00 am. What I’d give for another dinner w/Roger . The things that matter in friendships he brought it full on . His passing was all too soon . It does bring me comfort that he did get to experience great love in his last decade . My sincere condolences to Apryl, her parents & his family.

We truly love and miss you Roger ❤️
Chris II
Taylor 
Natalie
Alexandra
Lynette
Cain Family 💕

Thank you all for joining and supporting me individually in memorializing 

Roger B Ray Jr.  (June 8 2023)

Roger will return home where his funeral will be held in Tampa Florida August 19,  2023. And can be streamed through Ellis Mortuary.

For Indiana loved ones ; we shared a celebration of life, for Roger individually with heartfelt concerns, long talks in person or over the phone, expressions through cards , beautiful healing flowers, big hugs,prayers and thoughts aloud or silent. and tears we shared  together. 

Those gestures alone was powerful. 

Roger would have been filled with happiness to see how you all came through for me for him and for us.

Your testaments showed how Roger beautifully and awesomely touched each person he came in contact with directly and indirectly.

Roger was a MAN, generous, creative, Intelligent and a compassionate human; with the pure heart of a child. He served in the Air-force & loved his country. Roger believed in family. For me, there  will be no one like him nor, could take his place.

Roger was my heart , my soul and  soulmate!  I will never be the same. 

I BLESS THE DAY THAT I MET ROGER B RAY JR. “There’s nothing that I’d rather do, than to spend my life loving you.”

I feel so blessed to have been gifted the experience of such a beautiful effortless love here on earth.

Roger will never be forgotten. Roger your live lifted me.

I love you all
Because you all are so amazing I am standing strong today.

Thank you Jesus.
Psalms 23

XO
Apryl

I first met Roger at Youth Group at St. Francis in the Fields.  He came across as this intimidating, cocky and unapproachable youth… boy was I wrong!  I soon found out that he was learning to play the drums, which intrigued me (being a guitar player).  We ended up jamming at the church regularly, which turned into a sort of “marriage” that spanned for decades.  Roger was my main counter-part through incarnations of bands that eventually became The YaYas.  He had developed into, not only a fine drummer, but an immensely excellent drummer. In fact, every musician in these incarnations will swear that he was the Best drummer we’d ever played with.  
While still in High-School, we’d actually performed on the radio, opened for Chubby Checker and played regularly with Backstreet (playing weddings and corporate events).  These were very important new experiences, and I basically “grew-up” sharing them with Roger.  
Though I found him intimidating when I first met him,  Roger was very friendly, empathetic and funny.  He was always open to new music, and some of my favorite memories were discovering a new record and watching him react (in particular, “B.B. King at Cook County Jail” and “The Temptations Live”).  Roger was very devoted to things and those he cared about.  
Our main purpose in life, for many years, was to play music.  We had a hiatus after he joined the Air-Force, but eventually decided to visit Indianapolis to record an album, and both moved back and reunited The YaYas.  We played regularly in the local scene for years.  
For whatever reasons, we’d become estranged for over a decade.  Other than a quick hello when crossing paths, we really hadn’t interacted.  After losing both my parents, Roger made it a point to express his condolences in person, and it was like old-times… I’m so glad my last interaction was a positive one.  We’d talked of a band reunion, but unfortunately that did not come to pass.  Roger was my brother,  and I will miss him terribly.

A number of years ago Roger was in Michigan during the annual week-long Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. 

One of my rituals, with my dad, was to enjoy the grand finale fireworks display on his boat every year. We always lots of people onboard for this front row spot at the municipal marina. 

As we were getting settled early in the evening for the anticipated event, I looked up on the dock. To my surprise, there stood Roger Ray with his classic smirk looking down at me. As soon as we locked eyes, we both broke into HUGE smiles.

I had not seen Roger for a very long time. What an amazing surprise! After a long  bear hug, it was a treat to spend some quality time with him getting caught up on life! 

I will always remember his grin and the twinkle in his eye. 

Mimi, you and your entire family,  are in my heart and thoughts at this difficult time. I hope all of you  hold onto the warm and wonderful memories you and Roger shared together. May they bring you comfort and peace.

OBITUARY

Roger Buchanan Ray Jr.

August 31, 1962 – June 8, 2023

Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park

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