George Robert Ray, a long-time resident of Oak Grove, MO passed away, May 6, 2017 at the Village House of John Knox Village. George was 78 years old, born to George and Ada (Osborn) Ray on December 5, 1938 in Linn Creek, MO. However, there is an ongoing disagreement on whether he was born in the family home or under a tree. George graduated from Camdenton High School in 1956 and then enlisted in the army where he was stationed on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. While there one of his favorite pastimes was air mattress surfing. Upon his return home to the mainland, George met the love and light of his life, Theresa Wilson. They were united in marriage, December 5, 1964, conveniently on his birthday so he would never forget and find himself in trouble. The plan must have worked because they celebrated 51 loving years of married life together.
George loved to joke around. You could always count on the standard “Georgism” response when trying to have a conversation. Innocently asked questions soon become opportunities for him to spring his one liners. “How are you feeling” was met every time with the same answer – “with my fingers”. You would almost cringe as soon as the words came out of your mouth, because you knew what was coming.
His love for his family was great, especially his grandchildren. The sound of his cane thumping on the bleachers could always be heard as he cheered them on. He loved spending time with each one of them. In fact, there might be more than one picture of him playing dress up with the girls.
Survivors include two sons, Tony White (Courtney) and Rixie Kyle Ray (Shannon) of Oak Grove, MO; and daughter, Angela Christine Ray of Oak Grove, MO; eight grandchildren: Matthew Livingston, Jared White, Tanner White, Kaitlyn Sommer (Eric), Bradley Ray, Megan Ray, Deonte Mays, and Ericca Mays; one great-grandchild, Garrett Livingston; one brother, Lee Ray; and three sisters: Irene Tannehil, Alberta Myers, and Lucy McDaniel. George has numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and more friends and family than can be listed. He loved each and every one of them greatly. George was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Theresa (Wilson) Ray; six brothers: Virgil Ray, Junior Ray, Leonard Ray, Warren Ray, Dale Ray, and Larry Ray; and three sisters: Virginia McCubbin, Anna Mae Ray, and Hazel Whitworth.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. this Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Church of Resurrection, 601 NE Jefferson St., Blue Springs, MO 64014. A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in Myetta Cemetery, Camdenton, MO.
Donations in George’s name can be made to:
Village Hospice 400 NW Murray Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Myetta Cemetery Association Care of Bertha Burns Treasurer 44 Poplar St Camdenton, MO 65020
(For checks, please put “In Memory of George Robert Ray” on the memo line)
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441