William "Gene" Ray

William Eugene "Gene" Ray
January 1, 1942 – September 26, 2025
William Eugene "Gene" Ray, 83, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2025. He was born on January 1, 1942, in Asheville, North Carolina, to William Frank Ray and Sarah Virginia (Knight) Ray. Gene grew up with a strong foundation in faith and family values that guided him throughout his life.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol Kay (Surrency) Ray; his son, William David Ray; and his daughter, Julie Kristen Spencer, along with her husband, Chad Wesley Spencer, and their son, Blake Wesley Spencer, who brought Gene great joy. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Gantt, her husband, Charles Gantt, and their two children, Nathan and Jeremy Gantt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Frank Ray and Sarah Virginia (Knight) Ray.
At the age of 17, Gene proudly began serving his country in the United States Navy. Through years of dedication, hard work, and leadership, he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from active duty, he continued to serve in the United States Navy Reserves, ultimately completing a long and honorable military career that spanned decades.
Following his naval service, Gene pursued a career as a Registered Land Surveyor. He began with a private firm before going on to work for the Department of Transportation in Bartow, Florida.
Gene loved to be creative and to work with his hands, whether through woodworking, drawing, gardening, or crafting works of art with shells and many other materials.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Florida 34683.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed. Friends and family are invited to join online by visiting the link below at the time of the service. It will also be available to view for up to 90 days.