Milton James Ray, Jr., affectionately known to all of Paducah as “Bubba Ray”, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 6:52 a.m. while a patient at Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital . He was born July 28, 1957, in Paducah, KY, to his loving parents, the late Milton James Ray, Sr. and Maryann Irving. At the time of his passing, he had survived for 68 years, 1 month, and 4 days.
Bubba Ray, a 1976 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School, was an active member of First Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. There, he served as a deacon, a member of the culinary committee, and worked in maintenance.
Bubba Ray possessed a heart of gold dedicated to serving his family, church, community, and anyone who needed or desired his assistance. He was a jack of all trades, including, but not limited to, carpentry, painting, and floor installation, but he was most famous for his mastery of the barbecue grill. None could match his BBQ, especially his ribs. He believed soul food was a way of love, and the two, coupled together, often meant being of service to his church and community.
Bubba was known to be a “hoot” with his charm and witty personality, and he loved being around people. He greeted everyone with a smile and good conversation, never meeting a stranger. Even if he didn’t know you personally, by the end of the day, you would be invited to his home to enjoy a good meal and have a good time. A faithful community supporter, he would assist organizations with their events by cooking and barbecuing for them. He was an honorary member of the Red Hat Dolls and was known as the “Rooster” of the Hen House.
Bubba had a variety of things he liked to do when he wasn’t on the grill. One of them was fishing and being outdoors. He was so good at fishing that his cousin George gave him the nickname “Catfish.” He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Spades and Tonk, talking trash the whole time. And, he absolutely loved his sidekick “Coco”, his Yorkie who accompanied him everywhere he went.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Janice Ray, a brother, Ralph Ray, his aunt, Mary Ailene Carter, and his best friend, Odie Topp.
Bubba Ray leaves to cherish his memories; One son, Terrence (Renita LaShea) Skinner of Paducah, KY, One daughter, Mia Laster (Lonzo) of Clarksville, TN; Two grandchildren, Ta’Cori Laster of Clarksville TN and Yelaesha Moss of Nashville TN; Step-Father, Howard Johnson of Cleveland, OH; Two sisters, Patricia Ann Ray of Fort Worth, TX and Connie Johnson of Cleveland, OH; One aunt, Ocie Dance and One uncle, Herschel Ray both of Paducah, KY; The love of his life, Sondra Shaw of Arlington, TX; Three bonus children, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including his lifelong friend, George Young, and special neighbors Joyce Donelson and Troy Holt.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2025 11:00 a.m. at Greater Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend James Topp and Bishop LaRita Horton-Addison officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Family will receive friends on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
The services will be live streamed beginning at 10:50 a.m. on the Pettus Rowland Funeral Home Facebook Page at pettusrowlandfh.com.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
