R. Scott Ray

1939 - 2023

R. SCOTT RAY, 84, of Sparta, Tenn., formerly of Huntington, W.Va., passed away on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. He was born in San Diego, Calif., on January 18, 1939, to the late Ronald and Helen Mary Vanyo Ray. At the young age of 3, Scott (along with his mother and two sisters) survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a 1956 graduate of Barboursville High School, Scott joined the military. He proudly served as a medical specialist in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division. Subsequent to his service, he studied chemistry at Marshall University. He was employed at Special Metals (f.k.a. Huntington Alloys/INCO) for 30 years, ending his career as a Specifications Specialist. In addition to his parents, Scott was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Ray Sibert. He is survived by: his wife, Barbara Anne Doss Ray of Sparta, Tenn.; his son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Jenny Ray of Triadelphia, W.Va.; his daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Mike Donnally of Huntington, W.Va.; his granddaughter, Kaitlin Donnally of Ashland, Ky.; two sisters, Leona Ray of Florahome, Fla., and Justina Heydon of Southhampton, N.J.; his brother, Justin Ray of Milton, W.Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Scott was an avid lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, traveling widely throughout the continental US with friends and family. He completed multiple motorcycle challenges including the "Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000" and "Iron Butt National Parks Tour Series." He was a charter member of the American Motorcycle Association. He was the 1980 AMA National Poker Run Champion. He dearly loved riding his motorcycle to Sturgis and the Black Hills of South Dakota with his devoted wife and their travel mascot, Hog Boy. Scott was a loving husband as well as a supportive and strong father who provided an inspiring role model for his children and grandchild. He was a caring older brother and a steadfast friend to many special people. His sense of adventure and zest for life will continue to influence those that knew him, and he will be greatly missed. Friends may call Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington. Funeral service will be held noon Monday, January 8, 2024, at Chapman's Mortuary. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Wayne, W.Va. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapmans-mortuary.com.