Charles Ray, age 80, of Austin passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2006. He was born February 9, 1926 in Austin to Hazel and Victor Ray. Charles married Joanne Busby on June 15, 1970. He retired from the Army National Guard in 1981 and from the U.S. Army in 1986 after 42 years of service. He was a member of the Saengerrunde Mens Choir (a German singing group) for many years. Charles enjoyed sports, was a great cook, and loved to barbecue for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joanne Ray of Austin; his children, Chuck Ray of Manor, Charlotte Parmley of Austin, Mark Ray of Willis and Layne West of Austin; sisters, Janice Minor and Shirley Peek; brother, Edgar Ray; grandchildren, Mandy Hernandez, Niye Schmid, Jessica Parmley, Hunter Ray and Heather Ray; great grandchild, Rhett Hernandez; and an aunt, Evelyn McCullough. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity or Hospice of Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78759. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com
