William D. Ray III

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Troy University University of Georgia

William Ray Obituary

LTC (Ret) Mr. William D. Ray, III - POOLER - Mr. Bill Ray, 76, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2008 in Savannah. Bill was born on November 24, 1931 in Montgomery, Alabama and was raised in Bartow, Georgia. Bill was a graduate of the University of Georgia and a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He received his masters degree from Troy University in Alabama. He served our armed forces for over 27 years and was a Vietnam Veteran, Master Aviator and Ranger. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, 21 Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pooler and the Harvesters Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the Rotary International and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Gail Holland Ray; sons, MAJ (Ret) David G. (Linda) Ray, Currituck, N.C., LTC (Ret) George D. Ray, Clemmons, N.C.; daughters, Salita R. (Adam) Hill, Savannah, Jule (Dale) Edmunds, Augusta; stepchildren, Yancy Stokes (Stephanie), Florence, S.C., Karen (Jeff) Moore, Rincon, Mendel (Alana) Stokes, Hartsville, S.C., Wendy (Steve) Moore, Hartsville, S.C.; grandchildren, 2LT Derek Ray, Justin Ray, Lauren Ray, Kelly Ray, Josh Edmunds and Haley Edmunds; fourteen step grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 9-10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Pooler. Funeral: 11 a.m. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Pooler with Rev. Otis Hill officiating. Burial: 3:30 p.m. at the Bartow City Cemetery in Bartow, Georgia with full military honors and Pastor Lovejoy officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Hubert Jordan, John Mancin, Johnnie McMillan, Buster Minor, Bruce Salter, Ken Smith, Wiley Evan, Chip Evans and Fred Evans. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be given to The Old Savannah City Mission (to support homeless veterans), 2414 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or to the First Baptist Church of Pooler, Building Fund, P.O. Box 506, Pooler, GA 31322. Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes West Chatham Chapel 912-748-2444 Savannah Morning News November 15, 2008 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries .

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Published by Savannah Morning News from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Ray

9 Entries

Robert Stanek

November 17, 2008

Dear Family:

I'm sorry for your loss. I used to be the Postmaster in Bartow, GA and Bill and I became close friends. We shared many experiences such as our time in the Army and could relate on so many matters it was amazing. I called him a couple of months ago and told him I wanted to stop by and visit with him again and meet his lovely wife. The world is much richer for having Bill Ray. He was an amazing man, loyal friend and devoted father. Thank you Bill for the many smiles and shared memories together.

Sue Rodgers

November 15, 2008

Jule and Dale,
I'm sorry about the lost of you father.
Sue Teasley Rodgers

Drew and Cookie Gaddy

November 14, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Jim & Cindy Hillabrand

November 14, 2008

Salita/Adam,

We didn't know your father but reading about him showed he was quite a man. We wish we could have met him.

Please accept our sincere prayers that will hopefully help carry you both through this time of sadness.

Matthew Stroud

November 14, 2008

Salita my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Bill Clontz

November 14, 2008

Would like to offer my condolences to the Ray family, as Bill and I worked together years ago in Dublin, Georgia and I considered him a friend. The work he did to help folks with addiction problems meant much to many. His service career always impressed me. His sense of humor carried us all at times. Christmas at the "big house" in Bartow was so great! Farewell my friend! You have left this world a better place.

Deborah Cole

November 14, 2008

Salita and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. It was always a pleasure to be around him and he was a good friend to Jerry and my Mom (Ann Salter). Please know my heart and prayers are with you.
Deborah

Jim Meyers

November 14, 2008

Dear Gail and Family. Bill was a good Christian man. We are thankful that we could be a part of Bill's life and had the privilege of having Bill in our Sunday School Class. We loved him and will miss him. You all are in our prayers.

Carolyn Cannon

November 14, 2008

My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ray was a wonderful man, who fiercely loved his country and his family.

I have many fond memories of him and we are all so sorry to hear of his passing.

Take comfort in your faith, family and friends during this difficult time.

Much love from the Cannon Family
Chris, Carolyn, Christopher and Matthew

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