Frederick Edward Ray, 87, of Hartselle passed away Oct. 26, 2016, at Decatur Morgan Hospital in Decatur. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m. at East Highland Baptist Church in Hartselle with Reverend Walter Blackman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church two hours prior to the service. Burial will be in Hartselle Memory Gardens.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Melissa Estella Ray; parents, Wiley and Nina Ray; and brothers, J.T. Ray, William Ray, Gentry Ray, Doyle Ray, A.J. Ray, Wiley “Bud” Ray, Jr.; and sister, Edna Griffin.
He is survived by two daughters, Wanda McAbee (Billy) and Cindy Anderton (Gene); one son, Mark Ray (Alana); eight grandchildren, Corbett McAbee, Rachel Zelinski (Steven), Meagan McDonald (Todd), Matthew Anderton (Katie), Mindi Stowe (Jeremy), Braley Ray, Charlie Ray, AJ Ray; six great-grandchildren, Stella Blue McDonald, Sage McDonald, Weston Anderton, Wesley Stowe, Carter Stowe, Savannah Zelinski; and two sisters, LouAnn Polk and Ruby Crowder.
Before his retirement in 1991, Mr. Ray was employed by Teledyne Brown Engineering, where he worked on the Skylab project, and General Motors in Athens, where he worked as a supervisor and as a Tool and Gauge Inspector.
As a member of East Highland Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, RA leader, Sunday school teacher and numerous other positions. He was a faithful member of the music ministry and especially loved singing in the EHBC Men’s Quartet.
The family extends a special thanks to the entire staff at Columbia Cottage in Hartselle for their excellent care and compassion during the past year and to the Decatur Morgan Hospital 3rd Floor nurses and staff for their kindness and professionalism.
Memorial gifts may be made to the East Highland Baptist Church Building Fund, 1030 Main Street East, Hartselle, AL 35640.
