John Ray

John W. Ray, age 73, of Birmingham died March 6 at Birmingham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center East following serious illness. His parents were the late James A. Ray and Lucille Haley Ray of Birmingham. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles Ray and Phillip Ray. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Sara Thompson Ray, three sons Steven Charles Ray of Birmingham, Jonathan Allen Ray of Hueytown and John Anthony Ray of Birmingham. Six grandchildren Stacey Ray Gibbs of Virginia, Candice Ray of Gardendale, Zachary Ray and Ashley Ray of West Blocton, John David Ray and Emily Ray of Hueytown.

Mr. Ray was an engineering technician for 46 years and worked throughout the Southeast. Among the many projects he worked on were the New Orleans super dome, the Kirkland Clinic, the Bell South Building, the Daniels Building and the Boy Scout Building in Birmingham. Mr. Ray greatly enjoyed his interest in Astronomy and owned several large telescopes. Mr. Ray was a devoted member of the Baha`i Faith and for 50 years served on administrative bodies and actively engaged in teaching the Baha`i Faith. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 P.M. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Trussville. Visitation will be from 1 - 2 P.M at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Jefferson Memorial of Trussville directing the services.