On the morning of Tuesday, June 14, 2022, Clifton Ray of Barton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88. He was born on June 16, 1933, to Clifford and Christine Ray of Memphis. He grew up in Memphis and attended Technical High School. He married Billie F Arnold on August 11, 1951, and together they raised two sons, Gary G Ray (Kaye) of Olive Branch, and Paul C Ray (Julia) of Memphis.
Cliff worked for Smith and Nephew, formerly Richards, for thirty years as a Machinist and Supervisor. He had fond memories of his years at Smith and Nephew, and frequently attended the annual Retirees' Dinner.
Cliff and his wife, BIllie, moved to Barton, Mississippi, in the early 1990's, and became members of the Barton Baptist Church. They developed many lifelong friendships with the congregants and the Pastor, Brother John McMullen and his wife.
Cliff had many interests, including Ham radio, family genealogy, wood working, hunting/fishing, and gardening. He became involved in Ham radios in the 1970's, and continued talking to his Ham radio friends, daily, into his later years. He developed an interest in family genealogy and computers after he retired. He researched both his and his wife's families, using his new hobby of computers. He completed genealogic charts of his and his wife's families. He built many of the furniture items in his home, including clocks, tables, and even a set of baby doll sized furniture for his Granddaughter. In his younger days, he loved to hunt and to fish in the Harmontown area, where his wife's family resided. He also enjoyed gardening, including raising vegetables and growing day lilies.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Christine Ray, his wife, Billie Ray, and his son, Paul Ray. He is survived by his son, Gary Ray and his wife Kaye of Olive Branch, his daughter-in-law, Julia Ray of Memphis, his Grandchildren, Charlotte Drake (Chris) and Jason Ray, both of Olive Branch, and Michael Ray (Marie) of Davison, Minnesota, and many more family and friends. He will be remembered for his dry wit, easy smile and love of Faith, Family, and Friends.
A public memorial service will be held at the Holly Springs Funeral Home (1160 Hwy 311, Holly Springs, Mississippi) on Thursday, June 16, 2022. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 pm, with the service to follow at 2:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Brother John McMullen and Brother Eddie Randolph. |