Royce Allen Ray, Jr.

Royce Allen Ray, Jr. October 28, 1937 - December 29, 2025Royce was born in Houston, Texas and was a long time resident of Mobile,Alabama. He graduated from Vigor High School in 1955, married his highschool sweetheart in 1958, and was a very proud 1959 graduate of Texas A & MUniversity. At Texas A&M he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Followingcollege he served his Country in the U.S. Army as an officer (1st Lieutenant) inGermany from 1960-62 where he excelled as a tank commander. He was an“Aggie” through and through and never missed the opportunity to watch theAggies play football (and of course the famous Aggie marching band!). He wasaffectionately known to some in his family as “Skil” or “Skilly” and “Byedaddy”.He loved his family more than anything and loved spending time with them. Heloved boating, fishing and travel and during his early years spent lots of time onthe water with family and friends—even scuba diving until his health curtailedthat hobby.

He started his career working for Burroughs Corporation selling businessmachines. He then joined SIPCO in 1967 selling printing and office supplies. Hebecome the sole owner of SIPCO where he worked until he retired. He was anactive member of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, havingserved in numerous leadership roles. He was always interested in learningsomething new.

In 2020, he moved to the Somerby community with his wife Patricia, wherehe made many close friends. He thrived at Somerby and was heavily involved inall of the activities there. He was loved by everyone at Somerby and has evenbeen referred to as the “Mayor of Somerby” by many. A Somerby employeerecently stated “If you met Royce and did not like him, there is something wrongwith you.” Royce was an eternal optimist, and a kind-hearted outgoing man wholoved a good joke. He was often the “life of the party”. He was always willing tohelp people and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He was the ultimate“12th man” in every endeavor, if he wasn’t the ring leader!

He is survived by his daughter, Tamara Ray Clancy, MD (Michael), and son,Royce Allen Ray, III (Michelle) and grandchildren, Patrick R. Clancy, Karissa P.Ray, and Karalee M. Ray; cousins, Jeff (Kathy) Gray and Marion (Esther) Gray,and their children Mary Claire Wright, Ben Gray and Antje (Jeremy) Mikesell;sister - and brother-in law, Sandra and Bobby Smallwood; nieces Stacey (Alan)Bray and Susan (Scott) Walker, and nephew Scott (Dana) Smallwood, and theirchildren, Taylor (Kevin) Johnston, Chandler Bray, Morgan Walker, Luke Walker,Hunter Smallwood, and Libby Smallwood.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann Thomas Ray, mother ThelmaRay Willis and father Royce A. Ray, aunt and uncle Mary and Marion Gray.We wish to thank Dr. Noel Bedwell and his colleagues for their care the last25 years and the physicians of Pulmonary Associates, especially Drs. Dotson,Polman and Pitts for their care most recently.

A Memorial service will be held Spring Hill Presbyterian Church on Sunday,February 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to The Royce and PatRay Memorial Music Fund at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, 10 Westminster Way, Mobile, AL 36608.