Robin L. “Rosey” Ray, 72, of Iuka, Mississippi, died on Monday, September 16, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Throughout his life, Robin held several different careers. In his earlier years, he was a mechanic, an EMT, and a part owner of an Amoco gas station, and while attending Northeast MS Community College, he drove the NEMCC bus. In 1977, he went to work for Southern railroad, stayed when it changed to Norfolk Southern in 1981, and eventually retired in 2015 after a total of 38 years with them. During his time with the railroad, he worked on and was foreman over several different gangs and was Union President of the Union Local 2838 BMWED. After retiring from Norfolk Southern, he worked for a contractor running machinery and driving trucks, which he loved to do.
Robin had many hobbies as well throughout the years. He enjoyed being a mechanic and working on anything mechanical or electrical, especially racecars or anything that went fast. He was notorious for his ’67 Coronet RT. He was an amazing storyteller of yesteryear’s adventures and always ended his tales with, “Man, I don’t know how I’m still alive.” Along with his stories, he also loved to share his love of music and taught his son, Cody, how to play guitar.
Robin had the biggest heart and was always willing and devoted to helping people in any way he could. His biggest passion in life was his family. He and his wife kept their great-granddaughter, Vivian Blair, when her mother went back to work. He cherished every moment he got to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anytime he had to say goodbye, his hugs would end with either, “I love you. If you need anything at all, you know you can call me,” or “Anytime, anywhere, you need me, you know I’m only one phone call away.” His family was his greatest joy and his strongest love.
Robin is survived by his love of 50 years and beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Hayes Ray; his children, Jennifer Blunt (Tim) and Cody Robin Ray; his grandchildren, Jordan Blunt (Marli) and Summer Blunt; his great-granddaughters, Vivian Blair and Isla Reese Blunt; his sister, Carolyn Ray McGuff (Bobby); and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Summer Sunshine Ray; and his parents, Peggy and William T. Ray.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka, officiated by Eric Littlejohn. Pallbearers include Tommy Oswalt, Kyle McGuff, Aaron Maxwell, Roger Hayes, Cullen Essary, and John Mann. Honorary pallbearers include William Whitaker, Billy Burrow, George Jacobus, and the members of Union Local 2838 BMWED. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Robin’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
