Ray was born June 6, 1950, in Ohio County Kentucky to Ealy and Laura (Reynolds) Baize.
He lived in Kentucky until he graduated from high school, then joined the Air Force in 1970, where he proudly served until his retirement 20 years later. His time of service took him to Indiana, Oklahoma, Korea, Arizona, then California, where he met his wife, Cecilia. They were married in 1985 and were sent to the Philippines with their 3 daughters. From there, they were sent to Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM, where he retired in 1990. After his retirement, he continued his education while working as security at the Clovis Community College. He then worked for the Curry County Detention Center on and off for the next ten years as a Detention Officer and a Transport Officer. He eventually started working in Maintenance at the CAFB Golf Course after working at the golf courses in NAS Pensacola FL and at Kadena AB, Okinawa (a couple of places Cecilia's job took them to). He loved riding his Harley, playing golf, fishing and hunting with his best friend, Terry, but his greatest loves of all were his grandkids.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cecilia of Clovis, NM, and his best friend and fishing buddy, Terry Mulligan, who stayed by his side through all the good times and the bad times for the last 30 years. And in his home state of Kentucky he leaves behind his sister, Christine of Beaver Dam KY, nieces: Joan (Eddie) Cook of Beaver Dam KY and Michelle (Danny) Vincent of Greenville KY; nephew: Carroll Gene Williams Jr. of Greenville KY.
He is also survived by his daughters: Amy (Richard) Gutierrez of Clovis NM; Patti (Dan) Spurlock of Albuquerque NM; Lisa (Tony) Maunu of Pierre SD; and grandchildren: Tiffany and Dominic Gutierrez; Jake and Evan Blea; Elizabeth and Spencer Spurlock; and Audrey, Faith, and Sophia Maunu.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, 7 brothers, 4 sisters, and his nephew Carroll Gene Williams Sr.
A memorial will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 am, Chapel of Angels, 1430 Thornton Street, Clovis, NM.
A memorial will be in Kentucky at a later date when he will be taken back home to rest next to his parents and two of his brothers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home,
www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575)762-4435.
Published by Eastern New Mexico News from Nov. 12 to Nov. 21, 2025.