William L. (Bill) Ray passed away peacefully at his home on June 15, 2022. Bill was born August 5, 1938 in Lawrence, KS to Orville and Katherine Ray. He graduated from Lawrence High School and attended the University of Kansas. He served in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1964. He, along with his father, operated Ray’s Garage and Auto Salvage until retirement in 1993. He married Sharon L. Redford on November 24, 1962 and they have celebrated 60 years of marriage.
He was a huge fan of Lawrence High School football and KU basketball. He loved his family and his grandkids and attended every sporting event they participated in that he was able to attend.
Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon of the home; their children, Craig Ray, Kim Ray, Lawrence, KS and Mark Ray, Baldwin City, KS; grandchildren, Chad (Chelsea) Ray, Chase Ray, Silver Lake, KS; step grandchildren Skye Reid (Christian), Topeka, KS, Derick (Annie) Jaroscak, Colorado Springs, CO; great granddaughter, Reagan Ray and great step grandson Daniel Jaroscak; sisters Betty (Alan) Fenstemaker, Violet (Wayne) Thygesen and brother Gary Ray; sister-in-law Carolyn Pippert; many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents and his lovely daughter-in-law, Kerry Ray.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 360 Church (Clinton Parkway Assembly of God) at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
