James Edward Ray Sr., 86, of Kenna, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, November 3, 2013.
He was born on the 19th day of March, 1927, a son to the late John Mayford Ray and Thelma Webb Ray.

Mr. Ray was an avid outdoorsman and a World War II veteran, having served in the United States Navy. His duties were found to be as a gunman on board the USS Springfield.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, John Mayford Ray II; sister, Ada Greenlee; brothers, Adrian and Howard Ray; and a grandson, Nathan Wisniewski.

Those surviving include his wife of 66 years, Mrs. Edna Gean "Eulagene" Ashby Ray at home; his children, Corliss and spouse, Lew Thomas, of Alderson, Jan Shafer and spouse, Johnny, of Goldtown, Mitzie Rival of Goldtown and James Ray Jr. and spouse, Sandy, of Goldtown; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, at Long and Fisher Funeral Home Chapel, Sissonville, with Pastor David Spencer officiating. Interment will follow at Ashby Family Cemetery, 842 Clearview Road, Kenna.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Long and Fisher Funeral Home.

Online condolences and other methods of sympathy may be made to the family via www.longfisherfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements with Long and Fisher Funeral Home, 6837 Sissonville Drive, Sissonville.