STATHAM – West “Taylor” Ray, 75, died Sunday, August 10, 2014.
He was a native California and was the son of the late Emory D. and Leola Taylor Ray. He was a car inspector with Santa Fe Railroad and a deacon for over 40 years at the First Baptist Church in Statham. Mr. Ray led Royal Ambassadors, was a Sunday school teacher for various age groups, and was known as the gum man to all the kids at church. He was in a number of drama plays and led the drama team at FBC in Statham. He was a member of Wood Carvers Club, High Desert Ramblers Camping Club, and the Odd Fellows Club.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Bond Ray; children, Robert Dale (Susan) Ray, Deboah Sue (Bruce) Force and Sherrie (Marc) Lacrimosa; brother, James Harvey Ray; sisters, Patricia Ann Brown and Carolyn Leola Hicks; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Thursday August 14, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Statham. Burial will follow at Barrow Memorial Gardens. The Revs. Mike Vernatt and Ken Bennett will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Statham or to St. Mary’s Hospice.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.