Clarence Allen Ray

Clarence Allen Ray, a resident of Helton, Kentucky was born on April 28, 1958, in Harlan, Kentucky, to the late John and Bertha Napier Ray.

Clarence was a devoted healthcare professional, a loving father, and a compassionate friend to many. 

Clarence's extensive career in nursing began at Harlan Hospital, where he served for seven years. He continued his journey in healthcare at Berea Hospital while attending Berea College for three years. His dedication to the field led him to work at Pattie A. Clay Medical Center in Richmond, KY, and Manchester Memorial Hospital in Manchester, KY. Clarence's most notable tenure was at Mary Breckinridge Hospital in Hyden, KY, where he dedicated 28 years of service, with an impressive total of 42 years in the healthcare industry as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Throughout his career, he cultivated many special relationships with coworkers and patients, leaving a lasting impact on those he cared for.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Clarence was known for his pleasant personality and good sense of humor. He was always willing to lend a word of advice to those in the healthcare industry, and many can attest to the wisdom he shared with them to this day.

Outside of work, Clarence had a deep love for animals, particularly his chickens and cats. He found joy in tending to his animals and growing beautiful flowers.

Clarence departed this walk of life on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the age of 67.

Clarence was united in marriage to Debbie Nipper on June 24, 1979 in Akron, OH and to their union was born one son, Todd Ray, and his wife Stephanie of Bledsoe, KY; one daughter, Gwen Gilbert, and her husband Wesley of Hyden, KY who is left behind to cherish their memory.

Other survivors include, two brothers, James Ray of Indianapolis, IN, and Wayne Ray of Harlan, KY; one sister, Chloe Stewart of Putney, KY; and four cherished grandchildren, Leah, Dylan, Riley, and Bentley. He also leaves behind special friends and co-workers Chris Williams and Rhoda Feltner Souder.

Clarence is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Debbie Nipper Ray; his parents, John and Bertha Napier Ray; his brothers Bill, Bige, Homer, and Charles Ray; and his sisters Mary Brock, Gracie Day, Loretta Whitehead, Arie Ray, and Jean Whitehead.

The funeral service to commemorate Clarence's life will be held at 1p.m. Saturday, July19, 2025 in the chapel of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Justin Collett officiating.

Interment will follow at the Napier Cemetery at Bledsoe, KY with Todd Ray, Wesley Gilbert, Roger Gilbert, Gregory York, Kevin Bray, and Dylan Ray serving as pallbearers. 

Friends and family may gather for visitation from 11am until the service hour on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Wolfe & Sons chapel.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home