Douglas Ray Overstreet

1936 - 2021

OVERSTREET, Douglas Ray, born June 20, 1936, Ray passed away Sunday, October 24, 2021, surrounded by his family. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Wilton Lee Overstreet Jr. and Elizabeth Overstreet; and his first wife, Frances Lovelace Overstreet. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hersey Overstreet; his sons, Douglas Ray Overstreet Jr. (Susan), Lee Mills Overstreet (Andrea), Benjamin Thomas Overstreet (Christine); seven grandchildren, Cameron, Carter, Kaitlyn, Emily, Zachary, Dylan and Tyler; and his beloved dog, Cooper.

Ray was born in Bedford County in an old farm house named Wheatley. He lived on the farm with his grandparents, helping with the cattle and grain that was raised on the farm. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1955. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1956 to 1960. Following his service, Ray went to Virginia Tech where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1964. While at Virginia Tech, Ray began dating Mary Frances Lovelace, also of Bedford. They were married in June of 1964 and moved to Asheboro, N.C., where their first two sons, Doug and Lee, were born. Ray worked for Union Carbide and was eventually transferred to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1973 they moved to Richmond and Ray took a job at Philip Morris. Ray worked at Philip Morris as an engineer until he retired in 1993. After retirement, Ray and Fran moved back to Bedford to live in the house where Fran grew up. Fran passed away in 1999. While in Bedford, Ray met and later married, Barbara Hersey Ring in 2004. Together, they lived in Bedford until they moved back to Richmond in 2016. Ray and Barbara bought a house in Founders Bridge, where they lived, until he passed on the 24th.

Ray was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a friend to many. Ray enjoyed working in the yard, working out at ACAC and he was an accomplished woodworker. He loved Virginia Tech athletics and had season football tickets for several years. Most of all, Ray enjoyed visiting - spending quality time with friends and family. Ray found much happiness and joy in his goldendoodle, Cooper.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 30, at 4 p.m. at the clubhouse in Founders Bridge, address: 601 Founders Bridge Blvd., Midlothian, Va. 23113. Interment will be private and will occur on Friday, November 26, in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a note or card, sharing a personal memory, experience or funny story that you may have of Ray.