Clifford Ray

Macon, Ga.

Clifford Ray, D.D.S., 85, of Macon, Ga., died Thursday March 20, 2008, at Sunbridge Heathcare in Decatur after a lengthy decline. A graveside service will be held in Macon at Riverside Cemetery today at 1 p.m. Roselawn of Decatur and Hart's Mortuary of Macon are in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Ray, a native of Lumber City, Ga., was raised in Baxley. He graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society in 1951, and was involved in dentistry for 51 years. During World War II, he served as a navigator/pilot in the Naval Air Corp, and later in the Naval Dental Corp at Bethesda, Norfolk, and Guantonimo Bay Medical Centers. He was retired from the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander after more than 20 years.
Dr. Ray practiced Pedodontia and General Dentistry in Macon for 40 years, then enjoyed being an instructor at the Macon College School of Dental Hygiene for eight years to end his career. His more active years included involvement in the Kiwanis, Elks, and Idle Hour Clubs. He was a deacon and former chairman at Highland Hills Baptist Church, and was on the founding Board of Governors of Stratford Academy.
He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Sadye Claire Barnes Ray; and twin sons, John Frederick and George Allison Ray.
He is survived by his son, Thomas Clifford Ray, M.D. (wife Leesa Land Ray) of Decatur; and grandsons, Clifford Truitt Ray of Birmingham and Thomas Land Ray of Decatur.
Dr. Ray was an avid Georgia Bulldog, but loved all dogs in general.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Decatur, Inc. ATTENTION: Animal Services Fund c/o Veterinary Regional Hospital, 2117 Veterans Drive SE, Decatur, AL 35601.
This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.