Roger Allan Ray went home to meet Jesus on November 9, 2018. He was born November 22, 1956 in Kansas. He practiced Neurosurgery for 32 years in Florence and Kansas City. Many knew Roger as the excellent neurosurgeon he was, and many people lived better lives because he loved what he did. He loved his profession so much that he often said, “I am working until I can’t”. More than this, Roger was an excellent person. He was the very definition of manhood, as God created him. He was humble, kind, and not concerned with earthly accolades, status, or achievements. He was more interested in who you were as a person. He treated every person with dignity and respect. His life was about living out what he knew to be true, that we are to love God and love others. Roger was never pretentious, always preferring to let the spotlight shine elsewhere. He was gentle in spirit, rarely raising his voice, even when annoyed or angry. No matter the pursuit, Roger went “all-in”, whether it was boating, tennis, biking, or traveling, he pursued it full force.
His most powerful example was how he displayed his love for his wife, Bebe, and his daughter, Jenny. Everything he did was viewed through the lens of how it would affect them. Roger gave his heart to Bebe in 1982 and to Jenny in 1992. They knew each and every day that they were loved and cared about. He would leave no stone unturned to make them happy. His presence was big in their lives, and his love and goodness shaped their lives and made them better people. It was truly a privilege to have had him in their lives. He was a blessing and we celebrate him.
Roger joins his father, Harold Ray; mother, Ruby Samuelson Ray; brother, Bruce Ray; and beloved father-in-law, Paul Brown Jr. in Heaven.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Bebe Brown Ray; beloved daughter, Jenny Ray, 26, of Nashville; Dr. Morris Ray and wife, Sherry, of Memphis. He was also blessed to have spent time traveling with his numerous cousins and their families whom he loved.
The family will receive friends today, November 11th, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Spry-Williams Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Monday, November 12th at noon at Woodmont Baptist Church of Florence with Reverend Chad Hess officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army. You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com.
Rejoice always, pray continuously, giving thanks in all circumstances. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
