Wilbur Ray, age 96, of Grant City, Mo., was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly father on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, at home with his loving grandson.
Wilbur was born on March 11, 1925, at Isadora, in Worth County, Mo. to James G. and Laura Hall Ray. He spent the majority of his life living on his family farm in Grant City, Mo. with his wife of 68 years. He was baptized in his home church of Isadora Church of Christ where he was a life-long active member, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Worship Leader. Upon his wife’s death in 2013 he moved to St. Joseph, Mo. to live with his family where he began attending Central Christian Church.
Wilbur grew up with 12 brothers and sisters in a hardworking farming family in Isadora, Mo. They loved the Lord and shared the talent of music. Over the years, he sang at many weddings, funerals, revivals, and small concerts in the area. He could always be found humming a tune or singing a song.
He learned the trade of farming working alongside his brothers and dad. With only an 8th grade education, he went on to be a successful livestock and row crop farmer.
His grandchildren and great grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of him studying his Bible for a Sunday school lesson, climbing on his lap to listen to his stories, or him humming a hymn, or singing a song. His family is forever grateful for the Godly example he lived in word and in deed. He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being and those that spent any time with him recognized the peace and joy he had within himself because of his faith. He would use his death as an opportunity for you to examine your life and invite you to accept the Lord into your heart as your Lord and Savior.
Wilbur is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Laura (McCord) Ray who he married on October 15, 1944, their two infant children Madonna May and Orlin Lee, his parents, 12 siblings: brothers Virgil Ray, Delbert Ray, and Jim Ray. Sisters: Madlyn Ray, Lucy Ray, Tessie Lynch, Ollie Heron, Neva Olney, Opal Glover, Betty Wiley, Helen Roach, and Alice Ridge.
He leaves behind his son, James G. Ray and his wife Kathy (Wallace) Ray of St. Joseph, Mo.; his three grandchildren, Jeremy James Ray and his wife Rhapsody (Jett) Ray of Peyton, Co., Jamie Jo (Ray) King and her husband Shawn King of Jefferson City, Mo., and Joshua J Ray and his wife Jennifer (Moran) Ray of St. Joseph, Mo. 11 great grandchildren, Reagan Christine King, Grant Michael King, Jackson Ray King, Madison Jo King, Chloe Elizabeth Ray, John Wilbur Ray, Jessica May Ray, Sophie Elaine Ray, Mollie Evelyn Ray, Jacob Daniel Ray, Wyatt Thomas Ray, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Private funeral services will be held at the Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City with burial in the Grant City Cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be given to the Isadora Church of Christ in lieu of flowers.
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