Ray was born in Louisville, Kentucky on August 7, 1942, to Dorian Ellis Patton and Flossie Atherton Patton of Livermore, Kentucky.
Ray grew up in Livermore going to school and working in tobacco fields. Upon graduation from Livermore High School in 1960, Ray joined the Army. He served 20 years, 2 of those years in Vietnam. During his Army career he earned the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star, and w/1 Bronze Service Star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal w/ 2d Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal with Clasp; Silver 1 Loop, Expert Badge (Rifle).
Ray married the late Karen Indvik Patton, and they had four children, Kathleen Patton Aguilar, Martin Patton, Theresa Reaves, and Darrel Patton. Ray later married Cynthia "Cyndi" Sharp Patton in Kempner where they resided for 41 years.
Ray is survived by his loving wife Cyndi, his children; Kathleen and husband Willie, Martin, Theresa, and Darrel and wife Julie. Two stepchildren; Mike Kinabrew and Debra Kinabrew Brown. His twin sister; Susan Patton and niece Robin Patton and nephew, John Patton. Together they had 14 grandchildren and 10great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2-4 pm.Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove, Texas, at 3 pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.