Robert Harley Ray (October 22, 1943 – July 16, 2010)
Robert ‘Bob’ Ray of Tampa, FL passed away peacefully Friday July 16, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Binghamton, NY and has lived in Tampa, Florida for over 30 years.
He loved his country and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era reaching the rank of Sergeant E-5. He was devoted to his family. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, Estella and Harley Ray and by his sister Shirley Gunn. He is survived by his wife Sally Jane Ray, Four sisters and one brother; Joan Ohart, Phil Ray, Debbie Kane, Kathleen Curtis, and Christine Hamilton, eight children; Robert Ray, Richard Ray, Ronald Ray, Randy Ray, Russell Ray, Ryan Ray, Leslie Hudson, and Wendy Brook, eleven grandchildren, and four great grand children.
In addition to being devoted to his family, Bob was an avid sports fan was passionate about supporting the local teams.
Like any good marine, he fought with courage and conviction right up until the end making sure that he was able to spend as much time with his family as possible.
Services will take place Friday July 23 at 2:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to LifePath Hospice. To make a donation to LifePath Hospice call (813) 871-8111 or mail a check to LifePath Hospice, Development Department, 12973 N. Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.
Mi Padre
The long goodbye has reached a final act;
Time now to focus on the fact,
No man lives without committing sin;
This is how I wish my tribute to begin.
Having fun was a big part of his life;
Sometimes creating frustration within his ever-loyal wife.
Casinos and Jai-alai, the track or football;
My father didn’t hesitate to gamble with it all,
Coming home broke and half-in-the-bag;
Next time he’d return with winnings causing his pockets to sag.
A good-looking man, charming and funny;
Just like a bear, he sure enjoyed his honey.
Always the hard worker, never one to slack;
Charisma made up for the traits that he lacked.
With a quick temper and a sure-fire tell;
When the tongue was in his cheek he was about to ring your bell.
The last several years as his body began to crumble;
He learned to be more patient, and a lot more humble.
Everyone must have an end to their story;
Like the marine that he was, my father faced his with grit, guts, and glory.
By Ronald Jason Ray
—
Bob is loved, honored, cherished, and missed. The Lord has truly added a dedicated and fighting spirit to his army.
Bobby, I Loved you SO! You were the best big brother ever and I will never forget our fun times together!!!
Until we meet again…
Your fight is over.You went out as a PROUD MARINE! SISTER SALLY WILL ALWAYS BE CARED FOR!!!Rest Well my brother!
Brother Bob, We all have great memories to share. However there is one memory that I have always held so dear. When I was much younger, confused and alone, I had a young boy soon to be known to you as Little Jimbo. I’ve never forgotten, even with eight kids of your own, how you opened your heart and also your home. I will never forget how you helped me that year along with many other great memories that I’ll always hold near! With much love and admiration, your baby sister Kathie!!!
Dad, I think of only the good times and I laugh so hard I cry.
Who am I going to call now to talk football with during the upcoming NFL season? Or the next Olympics? Or World Cup?
Whenever someone asks me, “What is the best advice you have ever been given?” I always reply, “The best advice I have ever been given was from my father, who told me when I was a teenager and surrounded by numerous friends & family, “You are lucky if you go through this life with just one or two true friends.” More than twenty years later, I learned my father was much wiser than I had ever given him credit for.
Thanks for the memories Padre!
Sally, so sorry to hear of Roberts passing. I think of you all often. My prayers are with you all.
Vernie
Bob you will be in my heart forever. Thank you for giving us another sister she will always be in my prayers and thoughts. You and Shirley be good. Please thank all our angels who have watched over all of os for so very long. I now have one more angel in heaven. I love you and will see you again in our lords house. Rest in peace brother
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ray family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ray family.
Deepest sympathy to all from a long-ago friend of the family.
Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to you all.
To the Ray Family,
I remember Bob as a very hardworking, caring person. But, I am sure he cheated at cards….he always won!! Our sympathy goes out to all of you during this time of sorrow. Bob will be missed by many, and loved by all!
Jackie, Scott Ray