Asit Kumar Ray

Asit Kumar Ray, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed from this life on April 24, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born in Darjeeling, India, on March 9, 1936, to his mother, Santa, and father, Chandra Ray, soon to be joined by a sister and brother. Asit was preceded in death by both parents, his sister, and by his wife of 41 years, Nancy Ray. He is survived by his brother, Amit, a nephew, Arpan, and his second wife, Rayma Ray.

Asit came to the U.S. for graduate school in the 1960’s, receiving his PhD in chemical engineering. His early career proudly included working at NASA. In time, however, he discovered that he loved teaching. This, then, became the focus of his career, and he spent over 30 years as a Professor at Christian Brothers University (CBU) in Memphis, passionately devoted to the many students who studied under him. He is truly beloved by the students he has taught and mentored over the years.

Possessing a brilliant mind, Asit carried a lifelong love of learning. He knew a minimum of five languages, and used this knowledge on his many travels worldwide, church-planting (particularly in India, and Nepal), as well as mountain trekking. Recently celebrating 50 years of U.S. citizenship, Asit had a deep love for our Constitution, and for this great country, his second home. Asit had many interests, including music, singing, and playing the drums, but it was no secret that his love for hiking, and trekking ran deep. Over the years, he traveled the world, trekking many of the world’s notable peaks, including a trek up Mount Everest, in 2006, at the age of 70!

Asit was a devoted follower of Jesus, and a man of deep faith and conviction. His love for Jesus spilled over into all of life. He was known for his joy in the Lord and his love for people. Recently, he also celebrated 50 years since his new birth in Christ. In 2018, God granted Asit one of the deep desires of his heart, and he was united in marriage to his second wife, Rayma. Together, they have loved the Lord and served Him with joy, traveling summers (until Covid) to India, Nepal, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. Having loved and served the Lord for 30-plus years in Indonesia, Rayma was the perfect bride for Asit, and his love for her was evident to all.

Asit’s last conscious day on earth has been described as a perfect one. He enjoyed a time of fellowship with some of his graduating students as they presented their senior projects, followed by a luncheon honoring them. He was honored to be able to pray over them, as he truly loved, and was proud of his students. Following a nap at home, he and Rayma went to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in Millington, where they hiked their last hike together before he slipped into unconsciousness. Less than 24 hours later, Asit Kumar Ray passed from this life, into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, whom he had loved, honored, and served with joy and distinction.

A visitation for Asit will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Ray family.