Michael Orvil Ray

Michael "Mike" Orvil Ray, 67, of Chickamauga, Georgia, passed away on December 20, 2025. He was born on January 10, 1958, to Joyce McCallie and Fred Ray. He graduated from Gordon Lee High School and went on to attend Electronic Computer Programming Institute. Mike was self-employed and then went to work for ContinuCare. He was a member of the Honda S-2000 Car Club.

Mike was awarded the Mack Smith Award for Athletics at Gordon Lee High School. He enjoyed playing golf, swimming, and travelling. He also enjoyed rallies with members of the Honda S-2000 Club and watching the Gordon Lee High School teams, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Atlanta Braves. Mike was an excellent cook, particularly with a smoker or grill.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Thornton; father, Fred Eugene Ray; grandparents, Catherine and Baxter Ray and Frankie and Orvil Ownby; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Joyce McCallie; stepfather, Don Kissel; sister, Lisa (John) Selvidge; brother, Leon (Becky) Ray; stepdaughter, Beverly (Rob) Kibble; stepson, Bobby Thornton; stepbrother, Donnie (Tracey) Kissel; stepsisters, Laurie Kissel, Sarah Kissel, and Becky (Brandon) Hart; uncles, Ricky (Vickie) Ownby, Charles (Nancy) Carter, and Larry (Lynda) Carter; and many step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Lookout Baptist Church located at 8645 Hwy 193 Chickamauga, Georgia. Pastor Terry Burns will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Mike's memory to Lookout Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 12:30p.m. until the funeral hour.

Condolences can be shared with the Ray family at www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.

All arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home and Crematory, South Crest Chapel, Rossville, Georgia.