William (Bill) Newton Ray

William (Bill) Newton Ray, 97, was born September 13, 1924 in Cooper, Alabama to Jesse W. Ray and Dovie Timmerman Ray, as the second of four sons. Bill was reared in Autauga County and graduated from Prattville High School.

Upon graduation, Bill Ray enlisted in the Army Air Corps soon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was trained as a B-24 engine mechanic, then was selected for commissioning as a flight engineer on the new B-29 Superfortress, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant before his discharge in 1946. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves until 1966, rising to the rank of Captain.

Bill did his undergraduate work at the University of Colorado and went on to earn a law degree at the University of Alabama. He was admitted to the Alabama Bar in 1953. After a clerkship in Mobile, Alabama and two years in Private practice in Selma, Alabama, he joined Liberty National Insurance Company in Birmingham as a legal counsel. He retired in 1990 but continued to work for the company on a consulting basis for another ten years.

Bill was married for forty-four years to the former Eleanor Gail Yerby of Berry, Alabama, who preceded him in death. Besides his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, J.W. Ray, Amos Ray and Frank Ray.

Bill died on October 31, 2021, living the last years of his life at the Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, Alabama.

Bill Ray was an active member of the Central (later Palisades) Church of Christ where he was a board member for the UAB Student Center. Bill had a delightful sense of humor, was attentive to those in need and conducted himself as a gentleman in every way. He will be remembered and missed by family and friends alike.

A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 1:00pm-2:00pm in the chapel of Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. 35211 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 2:00PM. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery with Military Honors. Mr. Ed Timmerman will be officiating. Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel directing.