Ray Mabury

Ray W. Mabury, age 85, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at SSM St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by family.

He was born on June 22, 1940 at the family home in Wayne County, Missouri, the son of Hughston and Berniece (White) Mabury. He was married on September 15, 1984 in Carrollton, Missouri to Jewell Mabury who survives in the home.

Ray grew up in Piedmont, Missouri, where he graduated from high school in 1957. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. From 1958 to 1962, he proudly served as an Airman 1st Class, working as a mechanic on B-52 bombers. His dedication earned him the Good Conduct Medal and a Marksmanship Award. Among his many proud achievements, one that brought him particular joy was watching two of his grandsons follow in his footsteps by also joining the Air Force.

Returning to civilian life, Ray explored a variety of careers-from car sales to furniture moving-before finding his true calling as an insurance agent. He devoted 22 years to serving his community through Farm Bureau in Carrollton, where he built not only a successful career but also countless lasting relationships.

During his years in Carrollton, Ray was actively involved in his community as a member of the Carrollton Chamber of Commerce, the School Board, and the Lion's Club. In 1996 he moved to Jefferson City to begin his career as State Sales Manager for Missouri Farm Bureau, retiring in 2013. Ray is a member of Jefferson City First Baptist Church.

Ray's greatest pride and joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life and the subject of many of his conversations. He delighted in attending their sporting events, vacationing with them when he could, and was famous for his pancakes with a "secret ingredient" everyone knew to be 7-Up.

A man of many interests. He was a passionate golfer, a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan since the age of nine, and an avid reader of mystery novels. He even stayed active in sports himself, playing "town team" basketball and softball until the age of 50. Following retirement, he resigned himself to being his wife's "yard man" maintaining his yard and flowers.

Travel was a special joy for Ray and Jewell. Together they visited the beaches of Aruba with special friends, enjoyed wine tastings in Napa and Italy, and explored many other destinations. At one time, Ray tried making his own wine at home – until he learned someone else could do it better.

Ray was an open book. His personality was as memorable as his accomplishments. Always cheerful and ready to have fun, he had a gift for storytelling and was never without a joke to fit the circumstances. He was often found singing-off-key and making up lyrics as he went-sharing a laugh or enjoying a quiet visit. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving, kind, generous, and sometimes delightfully goofy man who deeply valued the connections he made and the life he built, especially with his family.

Ray's life was a testament to service, love, and joy. His memory will live on in the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include: his wife of 41 years, Jewell Mabury; his children, Kevin Mabury (Terry) of St. Joseph, Mo. and Kristy Goetting of Carrollton, Mo.; two stepchildren, Sara Michael of Jefferson City, Mo. and David Michael (Mandy) of Kansas City, Mo.; his brother, Doyle Mabury of Potosi, Mo.; twelve grandchildren, Kady Cramer (Shaun), Amber Dunlap, Alex Goetting (Amy), Kristen Workman (Paul), Eric Mabury, Eric Goetting, Quentin Mabury (Grace), Alijah Goetting, Ethan Holzhauser, Kylie Michael, Audrey Holzhauser, and Jake Michael; and 14 great grandchildren, Hope, Indiana, Elenoir, Jensen, Andruw, Aiden, Addison, Spencer, Truman, Elliott, Leo, Jude, Gianna, and Cecelia. He also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Loretta, sister Peggy Joyce, and his son-in-law, Fred Goetting.

Following cremation, a graveside memorial service, conducted by Rev. Kevin Mabury, will be held at Carroll Memory Gardens in Carrollton, Missouri on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. After inurnment, there will be an open house, celebrating Ray's life, at Carrollton Country Club, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Peach Tree Church Cemetery, 34 Hwy West On County Rd. DD, Piedmont, MO 63957 or Hospice Foundation of America, https://hospicefoundation.org/donate.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.