Gary Shaw "Bud" Ray

Gary Shaw "Bud" Ray, 63, of Great Falls, an Air Force veteran, died of natural causes Friday at a Deer Lodge Care facility.
His memorial service is 2 p.m. Thursday at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, with burial of ashes in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Gary was born Feb. 12, 1946, to Price and Beatrice (York) Ray in Shelbyville, Tenn. He graduated high school and architectural draftsman tech school in Shelbyville.
Gary then served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, followed by 25 years of employment with Anderson Steel, until his retirement.
Gary took great pride in everything he did and did it well. He always said his goal was "to be the brightest of the Rays and outshine the rest."
Gary enjoyed walking, fishing, camping and various outdoor activities.
He is survived by the love of his life, Bonnie Ray, daughter Lisa Ray Treacy and a granddaughter whom they adopted, Blanca Ray, all of Great Falls; his mother, Beatrice Ray of Shelbyville, Tenn.; sisters Charlene Williams and Linda (Learel) Frame, both of Shelbyville; brothers Price Ray Jr. of Shelbyville and Alvin (Bonnie) Ray of Palm Bay, Fla.; grandchildren Sunny (Shaun) Khoenle of McChord AFB, Wash., and Skyla Cozino and Shantal Ray of Great Falls, all of whom he raised; additional grandchildren Anthony and Amilio Ray, JoDon Gobert, Daniel Swan, Serenity Ray, Ashayda Katka and Toni Ray, all of Great Falls, and Anthony and Jessica Smylie of Shelby; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his father, Price; son Tony; a brother, Jack; sisters Emily and Betty; and a grandson, Carmello.
The family suggests memorials in honor of Gary to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., 7th Fl., New York, NY 10001.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.