Roland Ray 'Skip' Ray "Skip" McClain

The life journey of McClain, Roland Ray (Skip), 89, ended on August 8, 2025, passing after an eight month struggle as a result of injuries from a car accident.

In his own words, but written in the third person:

Skip was preceded in death by his parents E.E. and Mabelle McClain; brothers: James, Ervin, and Bobby; beloved dogs: Fuzzy, Rupp, Ginger, Rascal, Buffy, and Lady; Skipper, the flop eared rabbit; LeRoy the parakeet, and a host of goldfish and koi.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, the former Betty Jean Ford; daughter, Kimberly Moore (John); son, Todd (Martha); grandchildren: Adam (Erin), Alec, Luke, and Gracie; and faithful companion, Boogie.

Skip was born in Louisville, but spent his youth among the good people of New Castle Kentucky, where he graduated from Henry Central (now Henry County) High School. Graduation from University of Kentucky was followed by postgraduate course work in chemistry at Purdue and George Washington Universities. The major part of his 33 year work career was spent in laboratory investigation and management of programs directed toward the development of high performance polymers (plastics) primarily used in the automotive and aerospace industries. His work contributed to significant advancements in such diverse application as the Space Shuttle, the Corvette, and the underground nuclear testing program. His employer during this tenure was with the same company, but having various names due to ever-changing ownership: Devoe and Reynolds, Jones Dabney, Celanese Chemical, Rio Tinto Zinc (British), and Rhone Poulenc (French) corporations.

Upon retirement from employment in 1991, Skip sought four goals which he felt would contribute to a satisfying retirement: a good newspaper, a good radio station, a sense of community, and a purpose. Regrettably, he was never able to realize any of the four. Yet, he always felt himself to be among the luckiest of men and that his life had been filled with much good fortune. First and foremost of these, was the love, support, and dedication of his dear wife. He always knew how lucky he had been to have met her, convinced her to marry him, and for her to be his constant and steadfast companion and partner throughout his life. Prime among his other pleasures were the special relationships enjoyed with his children and grands.

Skip was a simple man, deriving enjoyment from simple pleasures. After a shoulder injury and age hindered his enjoyment of tennis and golf activities, he continued to enjoy the thrill and comfort of selected music, travel (most especially, his many trips to Europe and Hawaii), the companionship of various furry friends, gardening/yard work, and his unshakable drive to apply all challenges to spreadsheets.

In addition to a variety of professional organizations dedicated to the advancement of novel and improved polymers in the industries serviced, Skip was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity and attended Beargrass Christian Church.

Skip specifically requested that neither visitation nor memorial services be conducted following his death, but only that whomever might have been touched by his life remember whatever good times or moments might have accrued.

He further requested that any expression of sympathy take the form of notes of condolence to his surviving family to be mailed to: Ratterman Brothers, 12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Skip's name to Hosparus Health Louisville or Doctors Without Borders.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Ambassador Suites at the Forum at Brookside, Helping Hands Companion Care Services, and Hosparus Health Louisville for their comfort, care, and support.