RAY LOVELL

RAY LOVELL

Ray Lovell was born to U.D. and Dortha Lovell on July 27, 1931.

In 1949, Ray married Virginia Ann Thomas. Together they had three children, Dan Lovell, Brenda Haney and Cindy Kokinda.

Ray attended The Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., and was ordained to the gospel ministry at Calvary Baptist Church, Farmington, N.M., on Sept. 13, 1970.

He served in the Army National Guard and had diverse occupations including hauling crude oil, owning service stations, and as an agent with Farmer's Insurance in Deming, N.M. In 1964, he relocated to Farmington, N.M., to serve as District Manager for Farmer's.

He owned/operated Ray Lovell Distributing Co., American Car Care & Car Wash, and Travelmasters Travel Agency.

Some of Ray's most exciting stories came from his work as a bondsman and bounty hunter during his ownership of A-1 Bail Bonds. He often would pilot his own plane to retrieve bond jumpers. Flying his plane for both business and pleasure was a great joy to Ray.

In 1985, Ray purchased Farmington Muffler & Brake and sold it to his son, Dan, in 2010.

Ray dedicated his time and service to the Reserve Program of the San Juan (N.M.) County Sheriff's Association and the Bloomfield Police Department for 35 years.

Previous wives were Carolyn Foutz and Rosemary Faulk.

Ray married Sandra Fraley-Wray in 1997. Together they served in a Christian ministry for the National Parks between 1998-2005. They traveled many miles in their motor home while serving at the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and the North Cascade National Park. They also served as volunteer campground hosts for the North Cascade National Park Service in Washington state.

Ray and Sandy moved to Green Valley, Ariz., in 2003, where he was a member and deacon at Green Valley Baptist Church.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra; children Dan Lovell, Brenda Haney, Cindy Kokinda; stepchildren Ray Fraley and Tricia Wischmann; granddaughter Stephanie; and step-grandchildren Laurie, Randy and Stephanie.

A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, at Green Valley Baptist Church, 1111 N. La Canada, Green Valley, Ariz.