Ray was born on February 17, 1928, to Royal D. and Maggie E. Hypes Johnson in Keslers Cross Lanes, West Virginia. He was dedicated to God and family but was saved by Jesus.
Ray wore many hats over the years, working as a farm hand, log truck driver, sawmill operator, soldier, mechanic, and finally a happy retiree. He shined as an example of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-at-arms, and friend to many.
Ray served honorably and with distinction in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean Conflict, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained. He rarely spoke of his service but carried the scars and trauma in silence.
Ray was always active in his church. Whether ushering, driving the church bus, helping with youth group outings, or making repairs, he was always there to lend a hand. In later years, when he was unable to attend, he maintained his membership at Bethel Methodist Church in Poe, West Virginia.
Ray is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley; sister, Vera Phillips; daughters, Teresa (Brady) Alvis and Donna (Tony) Mavrick; grandsons, Phil (Heather) Lacey and Reece (Kelsey) Alvis; granddaughter, Kendra (Matt) Gadomski; great-grandsons, Damon Lacey, Kevin Lacey, and Wyatt Alvis; and great-granddaughters, Priscilla and Evangeline Gadomski. He will be missed by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Byrna Frances Vickers, Norma Florence Nutter, and Wilda Margaret Delay.
A casual gathering will be held at Veterans Funeral Care 830 N. Belcher Rd. Clearwater, Florida 33765, on Monday, April 20th, 2026 from 5PM-7PM
A graveside service and interment will be held at Zoar Baptist Church in Summersville, West Virginia, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the SPCA.
