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Steven Ray
08/27/1955 - 08/10/2025
BORN
08/27/1955
DIED
08/10/2025
FUNERAL HOME
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Steven Ray Obituary
Steven was born on August 27, 1955 in Shreveport, LA. He was raised in Shreveport, LA, and Rome, NY. Steven distinguished himself early on by proudly serving in the US Navy. His time in the Navy instilled in him a profound sense of duty, and his love of serving others that he would carry throughout his life. He will be remembered as always being willing to help those around him.
Steven enjoyed his family, and his work most in life. Steven shared his knowledge and passion as an instructor at Grand Rapids Community College's Tassell M-Tec, inspiring countless numbers of students in the construction trades. His dedication to his craft and his students was matched only by the love he had for his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, grilling, and spending time with the people he loved. He enjoyed making people happy with food.
Steven is survived by his devoted wife, Colleen, and their sons, Sam and Jack; his son, Michael (WA); his mother and father in law, Gary and Cheryl DeGood; sister in law, Jenny DeGood, his brothers, Russell, and Michael (Maura); aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, many friends, and his beloved dog Winston. Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Ray (Esche); father, Claude L. Ray; step-mother, Ernestine Ray; and his sister Kelly Hafertepe.
The family will receive friends at the Metcalf & Jonkho? Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday, August 15. A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 16 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made for the benefit of Sam and Jack Ray's education to the Ray Family Donation Account at LMCU.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Steven Ray
Aug
15
Aug
15
Funeral services provided by:
Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Ray
Sponsored by The Family.
4 Entries
Murray Reid
Earlier today
In the summer of 1979, Steven and I were both assigned to limited duty at Sand Point Naval Station in Seattle (now Magnuson Park) due to injuries we had experienced while serving our time in the Navy. We formed a fast friendship, and had a wild and crazy time that summer recovering from our injuries, enjoying the sweet shore duty at Sand Point, meeting (and courting) our future wives and also took some time out to win a softball championship with all the other guys at the base that were on limited duty. Go figure ;-).
From the very start I was so impressed with Stevens level headed mindset regarding what he had planned for his life, and how he was going to get there. It was an honor to be in his wedding, along with some of our other Navy buddies, and I still drive by where they had their reception and smile as I recall the crazy fun time that day was.
We had a really fun ride during those days as our relationship continued when we got out of the Navy, we both got married, had sons within a year of each other and he, Lori, myself and my wife shared many fun times together enjoying our young families together.
I'm so glad that our paths crossed in life and I will forever cherish those joyous days as our military careers ended and our civilian lives began.
Bev Buckner
Earlier today
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. A good man with a big heart that was taken too soon and leaves a big void for you all. Hold tight to the memories and cherish those as you begin to rebuild your lives without your husband, dad, brother, friend. Hug each other extra tight.
C. Dennis Triggs II
Yesterday
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Steven and I had the privilege of working together at GRCC for seven years. He was an incredible person-always willing to share his time, lend a hand, or simply check in to see how you were doing. I still smile when I think about the times people would ask him, "What do you teach?" and he´d respond, "Whatever Julie or John wants me to." He´d say it in that calm, nonchalant voice that sounded almost sarcastic, yet it was completely true-he taught whatever was needed, and he did it with grace. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ginny Grit-Googe
August 12, 2025
Colleen, Sam, & Jack ~ I am so very sorry to hear this news. I´ll be thinking about your family during this difficult time and in the months to come. May many wonderful memories comfort you and bring you peace.
- Ginny Grit-Googe
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