Marcus Hannan Ray Jr.

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Marcus Ray Obituary

Marcus Hannan Ray, Jr.

Marcus Hannan Ray, Jr., age 82, died at home on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico after a lingering illness. Marcus was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 24, 1941, to Colonel Marcus H. Ray and Adine DuLuc Ray.

A professional civil engineer, Marcus received his BS in engineering from MIT in 1962. After graduation, he attended Imperial College of Science and Technology in London then returned to MIT to receive his MS in civil engineering in 1964. Marcus served in the US Army Corps of Engineers in Germany from 1964 to 1965. His professional career commenced in New York City in 1965 with F.W. Eversley and Co., Inc, at the time, one of the nation's largest minority groups owned construction companies. In the mid-1980s, Marcus moved to Philadelphia, PA to take on the position of Chief Engineer for Design and Construction for the Philadelphia Housing Authority. It was here that he met Miriam Merrick who was to become his wife in 1990. They moved to Atlanta where Marcus assumed the position of Chief Engineer for Construction for the Fulton County Schools. In 2006, Marcus and Miriam retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, he remained active with the MIT Club of Albuquerque, and he served as the secretary of the Jazz Workshop of New Mexico. In 2011, always willing to take on a new challenge, Marcus volunteered to be the technician and sound engineer with the Albuquerque Rainbow Studio Theater production of the play, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange."

Marcus leaves behind his wife of thirty-three years, Miriam Merrick-Ray; his sister, Adine Ray Usher of Hartsdale, NY, his brother-in-law, Mears Merrick of Wilmington, NC, nephews Stephen Usher of Washington, DC and Lawrence Usher of Orlando, FL, and a niece, Hakennah Hulitt of Portage, Indiana. In addition to relatives, Marcus leaves a rich community of friends in Albuquerque who loved him and who highly valued his keen mind, his vast fund of knowledge and his riveting conversations.

Please visit our online guestbook for Marcus at

www.FrenchFunerals.com

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Mar. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcus Ray

6 Entries

Natalie

September 13, 2024

Mark will always be remembered as one of the Owners of one of the greatest Roller Skating Rinks in the world, Alexandria Skate. So many fond memories and good times, thank you Mark for being part of the best times of my teenage years-you will always be remembered-I actually can still see you out on the floor!!! Rail, Rail!!!!! :)

Doris A. Evans, M.D.

April 9, 2024

Marcus was a dear friend from elementary school through graduate school days. We shared roller skating, reading the great books, operas, concerts, dinners and our hopes. The theatre in the round at the University of Chicago was a favorite activity. We were two young people with high aspirations and we found confirmation in our friendship. Though our contact in the last 35 years was limited to Christmas greetings, I'll always be grateful for having the support and admiration of a like nerd in the formative years of my life. Memories of him will continue to bless my life. Condolences to Miriam and Adine.

Doris A. Evans, M.D.

April 8, 2024

Marcus and I were dear friends from elementary through graduate school. We met at roller skating and in addition shared, reading poetry, concerts and plays. Theatre in the round at the University of Chicago was one of our favorite activities. Though I've not seen Marcus in more than 35 years, never have I forgotten nor failed to appreciate the value of our friendship through the challenges of early adulthood. I send condolences to Miriam and to Adine.

Mia Maes

April 1, 2024

On behalf of the staff, board of directors, and those we serve at the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, I offer my most sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear Marcus. He was a well-regarded and highly esteemed member of our Jazz family. He is missed immensely already.

Yvonne Mangrum-Spicer

March 28, 2024

We are so glad we got to see/talk with Marcus the week before he departed. We will always remember his engaging conversations. We love you Miriam.

Michael Crross

March 26, 2024

Marcus had a unique trait that set him apart it was his ability to interact with people on a level that they felt comfortable talking with him and enjoyed just being around him. His accomplishments are a testament to his achievement of excellence that he always strive for in his life!! You will be missed my friend.

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