Donald W. Ray

Mr. Donald W. Ray, age 80, of Lyons, died Saturday, January 30, 2021, at the Dodge County Hospital in Eastman after a brief illness.

He was a native of Dewy Rose in Elbert County Georgia, and in 1962, served four years in the U.S. Air Force and two years in the Air Force Reserve. He moved to Kennesaw and worked with Lockheed Aircraft Company for six years. He started with Georgia Power in the mid 1970’s and moved to Lyons in 1979. He retired with the Southern Company in 2002 as a journeyman electrician. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Lyons, served as Children’s Church Director, and was always available for any church projects. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Olds Ray; two grandchildren, Abby Lauren Bowen and Kaleb Ray; parents, Steve Snow Ray and Illa Vatava Brooks Ray; one sister, Gwen Ray Maxwell; and one brother, Billy Ray.

Survivors include two sons, Ken Ray and wife Leslie, and Kevin R. Ray and wife Kayla, all of Lyons; two daughters, Karen M. Bowen and husband Tony of Forest, Virginia, and Katie Collins and husband Charles of Eastman; one sister-in-law, Scheryl Ray of Elbert County; thirteen grandchildren, Kendra Beasley, Katheryn Ray, Kelley Harvey, Kaleigh Ray, Khloe Ray, Karaline Ray, Kami Ray, Anna Bowen, Ashley Bowen, Amy Bowen, Sean Collins, Alyssa Collins, and Blake Collins; four great-grandchildren, Jake Beasley, Kayleb Beasley, Halli Beasley and June Harvey.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. in the Liberty Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Plowman officiating. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Liberty Baptist Church on Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 and the family will assemble at Mr. Rays’ residence, 247 Lara Road, Lyons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 410, Lyons GA 30436.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.