Darnell Ray

Mansfield - Darnell Ray, 73, passed this life suddenly on Monday, January 4, 2021 at his home.

Mr. Ray was born on Saturday, November 22, 1947 to the late Earnest Paul 'Babe' and Lucile (Terry) Ray, Sr. in Mansfield and was a life resident. Darnell was a member of the Malabar High School graduating class of 1967. Soon after graduating Darnell became employed at the Empire Detroit Steel Mill where he remained for the next 34 years, retiring in 2003 from what is now known as AK Steel. Over the years Darnell would attend the Apostolic Church of Christ, the church of his childhood. Darnell was an all-around sportsman. He enjoyed fishing, softball, bowling - Team: American Legion post 676, skating and swimming.

Darnell is survived by his two children: Darnell Ryan Ray, II, Washington, D.C., and Jacqua Gwenette Ray, Mansfield; two siblings: Marcia (Ronald) Rucker, and Charles (Patti) Ray, Mansfield, Perrise Chatman, Atlanta, Georgia whom was like a sister; Goddaughter: Ava Harper, Mansfield; special Nephew Mario (Yvette) Windham and niece Alethea Windham; a host of other nieces, nephews, aunts, and one uncle and friends; and the mother of his children Jacqueline Ray.

In addition to his parents Darnell was preceded in death by his brother, Earnest Ray, Jr.

Private funeral services will be held Wednesday, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Williams Funeral Services with Elder Aaron Williams, Jr. of the Maddox Memorial COGIC officiating. Friends may call at the chapel beginning at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Mansfield Cemetery.

C-19 Protocol of mandatory facial covering, social distancing, and service attendance limits.

Friends are invited to leave words of encouragement and comfort at www.williamsfuneralservices.com.