Ronald Gene “Ronnie” Ray, 79, of Benton, Kentucky, passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, following a long and valiant battle with multiple health issues.
Ronnie was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, on January 31, 1944, to the late Tilmon Ray and Ora Mae Goodin Ray. He was a member of Altona Baptist Church in Calvert City. He was part of the Telephone Pioneers group and, before retiring, worked as an installation and maintenance supervisor for BellSouth. He was both an avid University of Kentucky and St. Louis Cardinals fan who also enjoyed watching his favorite westerns and Nascar on TV. Ronnie loved being outdoors, working on various building projects, and attending classic car shows. He loved all animals, especially dogs, and he was very fond of his cat, Mookie.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 42 years, Becky Ray; one daughter, Danielle Ray of Benton; one son, Mike Ray (Cindi) of Benton; one brother, Kenny Ray (Steffani) of Springfield, Mo; two grandchildren, Brandon Ray and Breanne Gibbs (Brandon); one great-grandson, Beck Marshall Gibbs; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Kathleen Wright Wilkowski, Wanda Sue Matheny, and Shirley Sanderson Beach; one brother, J.C. Ray; and his parents, Tilmon Fane Ray and Ora Mae Goodin Ray.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Bro. Rob Bratcher and Bro. Roger Rice officiating. Committal will follow at Marshall County Memorial Gardens.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, visit www.filbeckandcann.com
