Kenneth Ray
Chelsea

Kenneth Ray, age 76, of Chelsea, passed away Tuesday, March 21.

Visitation was from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, March 25 at Liberty Baptist Church. The funeral service was at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 26 at the church with Dr. Randy Mann and Dr. Tim Cox officiating. Burial followed in Liberty Cemetery. Bolton Funeral Home directed.

As of Tuesday evening at 5:30 pm our Lord called one of his choice servants home. Kenneth Wayne Ray, born and raised in Powderly, surrendered his life to Jesus Christ at the young age of eight years old at Powderly Baptist Church. He lived as a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior from that day forward.

A graduate of Jones Valley High School and Howard College (now Samford University), Ken worked his way from the mailroom of First National Bank of Birmingham (later Amsouth Bank), to a Senior VP of Operations before he retired.

He and his wife, Frances, retired at the same time in the early 90’s where they could spend retirement living and raising all the kids that God would allow them, even if, biologically, not their own. In spite of his many earthly accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than leading someone to Jesus Christ. That’s what he did up until his last breath – spread the Gospel of his Lord. Ken faithfully taught Sunday school for over 43 years, most of which were at Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea, where he moved in 1972 – the hometown of the love of his life, Frances Blackerby Ray.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Friedman Ray, Sr. and Abbie Inez Ray.

He is survived by Frances, his wife of 56 plus years; two brothers, Elijah Friedman Ray, Jr. (Johnny) and Harold Ray; one sister, Donna Ray Mann; twelve nieces and nephews; and a multitude of other “kids” whose lives he impacted.

His life touched so many and he will be greatly missed. However, this is not goodbye, but just “Until we see you again,” this time in a new glorified body.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to Liberty Baptist Church.

Please sign online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome.com.