Kenneth Ray age 61, of Smithville passed away Wednesday morning, November 29, 2023 at his residence. He was born July 17, 1962, to his parents the late Clayton and Hazel Sanders Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 infant sons, Cody, Sammy, and Mitchell Ray; sister, Doris Coley; nephew, B. J. Davis; niece, Cindy Armour; father and mother-in-law, Billy and Betty Malone; sister-in-law, Donna Willoughby. Mr. Ray was a Member and a Deacon of New Union The Baptist Church, a Mason, and was retired from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ray of Smithville; 2 sons, Johnny and Joe Ray both of Smithville; grandson, Preston Ray; sister, Sandra (Doug) Davis of Smithville; brother-in-law, Wayne (Doris) Malone of Dowelltown; nephews, Jared (Kelli) Davis, Jacob (Dana) Davis, Jonathon (Rena) Willoughby, Jessie (Jennie) Willoughby, Andy (Heather) Malone, and John Armour; several great nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held 1:PM Friday, December 1, 2023, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Martin Bell and Keith Sims officiating and burial will follow in New Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 11:AM till 8:PM and Friday 9:AM until the time of the service at 1:PM. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
