MSGT Sandra "Faye" Ray

In the evening of Sunday, September 5, 2021 Sandra Ray boarded her flight into the light of God saying goodbye to her earthly home.  Sandra Faye Ray was born August 27, 1955, daughter to Warren G. and Annie Lee Ray who preceded her in death.  She gave her life to Christ at an early age in Little Sandy, Tuscaloosa at Zion Hope Baptist Church.  Sandra graduated from Holt High School in 1976 where she was an active ROTC member and an avid softball player, which she loved.  She continued her education at CA Fred Technical College where she studied business administration.  In 1980 Sandra enlisted in the US Air Force where she served honorably for 28 years, which included service with the Alabama 117th Air National Guard in Birmingham, retiring as a Master Sergeant.  During this time, she was stationed at several Air Force Bases (Minot AFB, ND; Pope AFB, NC and Vance AFB, OK).  She also did tours of duty in Kunsan, Korea, Incirlik, Turkey and Honduras.  Her primary job specialties were Airfield Management, Radio Communications Systems and Operations Research Management.  She received several medals, decorations and citations for her military active duty service.  Upon returning to Birmingham after separating from the military, Sandra joined Greater New Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Rev. E.O. Jackson. Sandra attended Faulkner University obtaining a Bachelor's of Business Administration and a Master's of Science and Management.  She worked for the City of Birmingham initially in Public Works Communication. She later became the first 311 Supervisor. She retired from the City after 28 years of dedicated service in May 2021.  She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Tameko Renea Ray (Kendrick( Mewborn of Frisco, TX; granddaughter, Kennedy Mewborn, siblings; Senator Linda Coleman-Madison of Birmingham, Bobby (Darlene) Ray of Tuscaloosa, Melba Ray (Sam) Rivera of Bossier City, Wanda Ray Coats of Shreveport and Delois Anderson of Waukegan; a host of other relatives and friends. Viewing on Sunday 11am-3pm at Roberts Central Park Chapel. Funeral Service will be held Monday 12 noon at Greater New Antioch Baptist Church (2900 Avenue G Ensley 35218. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery with Military Honors. Face Protection and Social Distancing Required. Service will be live streamed via www.gnabc.org