John "Jack" Ray

1938 - 2022

John "Jack" Ray
June 12, 1938 - October 27, 2022
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - John Nelson "Jack" Ray, of Hilton Head, died peacefully at home on Thursday following a long battle with cancer.
Jack was born June 12, 1938 to Blair Peter Ray and Mary Fowler Ray in Altoona, PA, the fourth of their four sons. An elite athlete, he played basketball at Penn State then transferred to the University of Louisville, where he joined the basketball team that reached the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1961.
While in college, against the wishes of coaches and the conventions of scholarship athletes of the time, he married Barbara McIntyre of Altoona in 1960, triggering hardships such as moving to off-campus housing – a decision he did not regret as it brought him closer to Barb and future lifelong friends like Bill and Sharon Olsen. One of Jack's lifelong characteristics was enduring friendships.
After graduating from college, Jack was a teacher and coach for the Altoona Area School District, rising to Director of Athletics and Assistant Superintendent. Jack was past president of the Pennsylvania Athletic Directors Association and a lifelong member of Jaffa Shrine of Altoona.
In his off hours he assisted Barbara's father Kermit ("Mac") as a candy maker at McIntyre's Candies, the business Mac's wife Thelma and he had built into a retail anchor in downtown Altoona. When Jack retired from the school district to help run the business full time, he became an expert in candy-making. He took pride in his pristine in-store production of specialty candies.
In 2005, Jack and Barb sold the candy business and retired to Hilton Head Island where they enjoyed beach walks and playing golf with loved ones and friends. After Barbara's death in 2014, Jack expected to spend his remaining years alone.
Through a mutual friend, Jack was subsequently introduced to Amy Inge. Both were surprised
to find love a second time, a love that was so deep and rich. They married on February 6, 2016. They played golf, walked the beach and enjoyed a vibrant and loving relationship, living in Port Royal Plantation. They are members of Providence Presbyterian Church.
Jack was predeceased by his parents; his three brothers Bill, Joe and Darrell; and his first wife, Barbara. He is survived by his beloved and loving wife, Amy; his canine constant companion, Teddy; nephews Douglas (Julie) Ray of Gainesville, FL, and Stuart (Sharon) Ray of Lutherville, MD; nieces Laurie (Perry) Ray and Cindi (James) Mitchell of North Carolina; Marcie (Robb) Nash of Nashville, TN. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Nancy Ray, of Nashville and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, including James Ray of Lutherville and Dr. Jocelyn Ray of Charlottesville, VA, who regard him as a grandfather.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Providence Presbyertian Church, HHI, SC. Arrangements are being handled by Keith Funeral Home, Hilton Head Island.
Donations can be made to Providence Presbyterian Church, Music Ministry or Shriner's Research Hospital for Children. www.Keithfuneral.com.