Jackie Wayne Ray's Obituary
Jackie Wayne Ray, 71, longtime resident of Gainesville, Florida, died Tuesday, February 23, 2016 in the North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville, following a brief illness.
Mr. Ray was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 7, 1945 to the late Theron and Ruby Ray. He grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, Class of 1963. He joined the U. S. Air Force and later served in the Florida Air National Guard. He moved to Gainesville in the early 1970’s and began a long career with Universal Engineering Sciences, retiring in 2002 as the Regional Manager. Mr. Ray was an outdoorsman who loved working in his yard and was an avid hunter.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Kay Ray; two sons, Jeffrey (Donna) Ray of Lake City and Michael (Rebecca) Ray of Sharpsburg, GA; six grandchildren, Emily, Caleb, Joshua, Parker, Timothy, and Campbell Ray.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 A. M. in the Northwest Baptist Church, 5514 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, with his son, Pastor Jeffrey Ray, officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 A. M. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the American Cancer Society, 2119 SW 16th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 or to the American Heart Association, 3324 W. University Avenue, #128, Gainesville, FL 32607.
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