January 12, 1927 – February 14, 2014
Ray was a loving husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend. A native and true Venturan, he watched his beloved home grow and blossom for 87 years. An avid sports fan, he spent many days personally coaching Packers Football, and many nights coaching Ventura High and Ventura College football, from the bleachers. A true outdoorsman, he also enjoyed diving, fishing, hunting, camping and boating and was always looking forward to his next big catch. Ray was a self-taught contractor, and incredibly hardworking man who took great pride in his work.
He was born January 12, 1927, in Fellows, California to Pheral and Mildred Allred. Soon after, they moved to Ventura where he would live the rest of his life. As the eldest child in the family, he helped support his parents, brother Jay and 78 foster and adopted siblings through the Great Depression and World War II. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1945 and has met weekly for many years with fellow Ventura alumni and Pirate Preps, he fondly referred to as his “lunch bunch.” He also spent many years volunteering at the Ventura Trade Club. A master of many trades, his jobs included picking lemons for ten cents a box, working for Associated Oil Company, and opening one of the first boat shops in town. He later went on to work for Architectural Fiberglass and finally real estate management.
Through mutual friends, he met Marilyn, his companion, soul mate and love of his life. They married on July 30, 1966 and spent 42 years building a family and many wonderful memories together before her passing in 2009. They spent many years building and remodeling homes and apartments. Eventually, they worked 10 years with their own blood, sweat, and tears building their dream home.
Some of his fondest memories involved fishing and hunting with his buddies Ben Smith, Andy Andersen, and brothers, Jay Allred and Ron Melton. He enjoyed visiting his favorite lake, Shasta Lake where he spent his honeymoon and many years camping and house boating.
Ray suffered a stroke on January 11, 2014, the day before his 87th birthday. He never regained his strength and passed away peacefully in his home on Valentine’s Day. He is survived by his daughters, Diana Kohler of Citrus Heights, Christie Killen of San Jose and Melanie Silva of Granada Hills; his brother, Jay Allred of Ventura; and 5 grandchildren, Kit Kohler of Berkeley, Karlee and Libbie Killen and Maikah and Maevah Silva, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
While some will remember Ray as a codger, “the dickens,” an opinionated conservative and a teaser, he will also be remembered for his charm, honesty, opinions and patriotism.
Services will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3501 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Viewing will be held in the Relief Society Room at 10:00 am. The chapel service will begin at 10:30 am, followed by burial at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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