William Ray
- Born: 3 Apr 1931, Grey Court, SC
- Marriage: Ellen E. Bowie Ray
- Died: 11 Jul 2009, Fredeick, MD at age 78
- Buried: 18 Jul 2009, Resthaven Memeorial Gardens, Frederick, MD
 General Notes:
Mr. William Ray
William Ray, 78, of Bartonsville Road, Frederick, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Frederick Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 3, 1931, in Grey Court, S.C., the son of the late Tobie Ray and Carrie Johnson Ray.
He was married to Ellen E. Bowie Ray, his wife of 53 years.
Brother Ray was an active member of St. James AME Church, was the current president of the Senior Usher Board, was a member of the Trustee Board for many years and was recently named Trustee Emeritus. He was a member of the men's choir. Brother Ray loved the Lord and he loved his church, and he served in whatever capacity that was needed for the good of the church.
"Ray,", as he was fondly known to his family and friends, was an avid hunter and he loved to fish and go camping.
Most of his life he worked as a concrete finisher. He was employed by Chantilly and Gull Construction, where he worked his way to foreman, and in this capacity he gave jobs and training to numerous young men in his family and the community. After retiring from Gull Construction, he drove a taxi for Bowie Transportation and City Cab until the time of his illness.
In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Katrina Bimage and husband, Jimmy, of Dickerson, Texas, and Shelia Ray of Frederick; two sons, Tobias Ray and wife, Jessie, of Brunswick and Jonathan Ray of Frederick; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five sisters, Elizabeth Phelps of Woodruff, S.C., Levonia Thompson of Lawrence, S.C., Virginia Hampton of Grey Court, S.C., Dorothy McNair of Hampton, Va., and Nellie Young of Greenville, S.C.; two brothers, Luther Ray of Walkersville and Paul Ray of Fountain Inn, S.C.; a daughter-inlaw, Gloria Jean Ray of Frederick; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will also be remembered by special friends, Earnest King, Earl Abrams and Minnie Abrams.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Sarah Duckett; two brothers, Tobie Ray Jr. and Lemmon Ray; two sons, Gregory Ray and William Ray Jr.; and one grandson, Quarnell "Cory" Davis.
There will be a public viewing from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home, 110 W. South St. A wake will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 725 W. Patrick St.; the family will receive friends during this time. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. The Rev. C. Michele Langston will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home, Frederick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James WMS, 6002 Bartonsville Road, Frederick, MD 21704.
William married Ellen E. Bowie Ray, daughter of Walter Spencer Bowie and Cora Lee Diggs.
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