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Ray Alexander Obituary
Ray Lee Alexander, 63, passed away suddenly on September 18, 2010. He will be deeply missed.
Ray spent 25 years with Rains Department Store where he made his mark as a knowledgeable buyer and culinary expert. He loved to cook and was well known for his preserves and sauces.
He was born in Troy, Ohio, and came to Ojai when he was 12. He graduated from Nordhoff High School in 1965 after excelling in basketball. He was a legend among local athletes who took years to break his records. In 1967 he joined the U.S. Navy and served until 1971.
He is survived by his sister, Marcella J. Turner, four nieces and six great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.
He enjoyed sports all his life. After high school he surfed, played softball and later took up competitive darts. And he loved to bet the ponies, visiting the track whenever he had the chance.
Ray was a private person who needed few material possessions, but if riches are measured by the number of friends one has, Ray was extremely wealthy. His rough exterior and booming voice hid a caring and compassionate soul one never forgot. He was loved by so many.
Ray's wish was that his body be used to help other people through tissue donation and research. His family has honored that request. A memorial service to celebrate Ray's life will be held at a later date.
You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now. ~Joan Baez
Assisting the family with arrangements is the family owned and operated Rose Family Funeral Home and Cremation of Simi Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Alexander
Woody Maggard
October 4, 2010
Ray and I were very close friends all through high school and he patiently taught me how to do a jump shot the right way. He never cared a great deal about material things, and focused on living life. He was a fine man and will be greatly missed.
Steve Wilson
October 1, 2010
A big man with a bigger heart. I'll miss your hello's in town.
Debbie Petersen
October 1, 2010
I just saw Ray at our class reunion and known him since elementary school. He was one of the enduring icons at our reunions and always had a friendly greeting.
You left us too soon. So sad.
Jodi Durrett Garcia
September 30, 2010
I'v known Ray my entire life. I will never forget his smile and his contagious laugh. " You Left To Soon" My thoughta and prayers are sent to the family. With love, Jodi Durrett Garcia
GAIL ANDREWS
September 29, 2010
SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT RAY, WE JUST SAW HIM AT THE CLASS REUNION IN OJAI A FEW WEEKS AGO, I WILL MISS SEEING HIM IN RAINS, IT SEEMS LIKE HE HAD BEEN THERE FOR EVER, IT WAS ALWAYS SO NICE TO SEE HIM AND TALK TO HIM. HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH, OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF THE FAMILY. SINCERELY GAIL AND DIANA ANDREWS
John Gottesman
September 29, 2010
Big Ray ,
A better Friend you couldn't find. I am going to miss bumping into you and listening to your words of wisdom and friendship and overall positivity but I will cherish your friendship forever!
Captain Video
September 29, 2010
Last time Ray played league darts, he was on my team at the Bench Warmer. He was always happy to play, and he was our ace in the hole. I will miss him. Wayne Breault from the Bench Warmer Ventura California.
Christa DeBoer
September 29, 2010
Very sad to hear about Ray's passing. he was a great guy and dart player.
September 29, 2010
Ray was one of the last of the "good guys",
Vicki & Leah Edde
Steven Dominey
September 29, 2010
I haven;t seen Ray for six or seven years as I am back in the UK, but I would like to pass on my condolences. I knew Ray principally through darts, he was a great player, and a great guy, he will be missed
Steve Dominey
September 27, 2010
Rest in peace Little Ray.
Your old friend Grant Manson
Nikki Bart
September 27, 2010
Ray, a gentle giant with always a kind word. You will be missed.
Nicole Pavlocak
September 27, 2010
INTEGRITY...... Ray, what a sweet man! He always took the time to stop and say how are you doing? He will be missed for men like him are few and far between.
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