Robert Joseph "Bob" Ray

Robert Joseph Ray (Bob) passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa after a long illness. He was born March 9, 1948, to Esther and Martin Ray, and grew up in Cedar Rapids.

When he was diagnosed with blindness, the doctor prescribed only one thing: Take him home and raise him as a normal child. Esther followed doctor's orders, giving him the opportunity for many and varied experiences. This formed him into a curious, adventurous person and, as a result, he was ready to take on the world and became active in the National Federation of the Blind, serving in many state and local leadership roles. Even when he wasn't serving in these roles, he had plenty to offer that would help others succeed.

As a parent and a spouse, he took the concept of unconditional love very seriously, and wholeheartedly threw his support behind his wife and children in all their endeavors. A gentle giant, he was unfailingly generous with his time and resources.

He made any stranger feel like part of the group in a social situation, and was always welcoming and inclusive. He loved to make people laugh, and could lighten even the darkest situations.

As a testament to his love for helping others and sharing his functional skills, Bob remained a dedicated Boy Scout leader long after he had a child in the group. He also was a beloved and engaged amateur radio operator.

He loved listening to the Chicago Cubs on the radio, as well as to audiobooks. He also was famous for creating hilarious backstories about the family dogs.

Bob married his first wife, Jan, in 1975, and they later divorced.

He married Cindy in August 1998, though they first met in high school. In the 1960s. Bob attended elementary and high school at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. He went on to attend the University of Iowa for a semester; then he worked at Collins Radio for a time. Bob attended computer training in Cincinnati, Ohio, and went on to work as a computer programmer at the state. He retired from the state in the early 1990s and then ran several vending operations in southern and central Iowa from 1994 to 2009 in the business enterprise program through the Iowa Department for the Blind. He took great pride in keeping the machines stocked, clean, and in good working order.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard, and their parents, Esther and Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his so,n Marc (Misty); his daughter, Antoinette Smith (Jeremy); several grandchildren; his sister, Georgina Sue Ray; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held for Bob on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Windsor Presbyterian Church, 6301 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you direct contributions to the National Federation of the Blind. Visit nfb.org/donate or call 410-659-9314, extension 2430. The National Federation of the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises expectations for all blind people.

The service will be available on Zoom, which will open at 10:45.

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