Gene Ray

73, passed away suddenly on Saturday morning- April 22, 2017 while tending to business as usual. He was the founder and owner of Gene Ray Heating & Cooling in Beech Grove, in. As a young man, Gene work for G.W. Berkheimer and had a vision and drive to start his own HVAC Company out of his home in 1976, eventually purchasing a building on Bethel and then constructing a facility where Gene Ray Heating & Cooling is located today. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jackie (Pack) Ray; his son, Chuck (Shellie Mix) Ray; his daughter, Karla (Darren) Hainley; his granddaughter, Danielle (Dane) Patten; his grandson, Logan Hainley; his beloved Mother-in-Law, Evelyn Pack; his cousins the Sullivan’s; nieces and nephews; along with his long time loyal group of employees Richard Evans, Ronnie Kazee, Howard Sanders, Andrew Browers, Scott Coomer, and Sean Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Willa Mae Ray and Willis Ray along with his brother Joe Ray. Gene loved spending time with his family and enjoyed his afternoon coffee almost every day with his mother-in-law. He loved NASCAR, the Colts, watching old movies and could never get enough of all the political news channels. He loved riding his motorcycle or taking his convertible for a spin in the country or city on a nice sunny day. He loved to ride his mower, fill his many bird feeders and sit by the pool and watch them as they ate and sang. He always looked forward to hosting family cookouts and being the grillmaster. Gene loved spending time in Florida eating his favorite dish, Oysters’ Rockefella at his favorite restaurant, PJ’s Oyster Bar at Indian Rocks Beach, Fl. Gene and wife Jackie recently went on a cruise where they both enjoyed time spent with many of their friends and business colleagues. Gene was beloved by all those who knew him and will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 27th from 4:30-6:30 Pm at the New Life Church 7010 E. Thompson Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46239 with a Tribute to Gene starting at 6:30 PM. Memorial Contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation 8445 Keystone at the Crossings Suite 102 Indianapolis, IN 46240. www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com