On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, John E. Ray, Jr., loving husband, father, and friend, passed away at the age of 85.

John was born November 16, 1939 in Meridian, Mississippi to John E. Ray, Sr. and Lillian Hensley Ray. John spoke fondly of his childhood in Meridian and of his loving family and friends in Mississippi. After high school, John earned a degree in geology from the University of Southern Mississippi and also served as an instrument repairman in the U.S. Air Force. With pride, he often recalled his experiences working as a geological surveyor in Wyoming and as a cartographer for the Aeronautical Chart & Information Center in St. Louis, MO. After returning to the southeast in the 1970s, John worked in computer programming for the rest of his career. He enjoyed the intellectual challenges of his work and valued the many connections he made with coworkers whom he considered dear friends.

John was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife of 47 years, Susie (Wanda Sue Ray) who predeceased him in January 2024. John was the proud father of four children, Debra L. Horton (David), David A. Ray (Rhonda), Katie Ray-Diaz (Mark), and Jennifer Walter (Nick). He also took great pride in his role as Papa to his nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

John was an avid reader and enjoyed browsing the shelves of bookstores and libraries. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, connecting with friends, and attending church. John was active in the local community: coaching and supporting many youth organizations in Roswell, GA where he and his family lived for over 30 years. More recently, John took great pride in his role as one of Santa's official helpers.

A celebration of life service for John E. Ray Jr. will be held at 11am on March 28, 2025 at Northside Chapel in Roswell, GA, with a reception following at the Ray-Diaz home. John's cremains will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, John's family would ask that you consider making a donation in his memory to Hospice of the Upstate, Rainey Hospice House (Anderson, SC) in appreciation for their dedicated ministry and care.