Boyd "Buddy" Emerson Ray Jr.

Buddy graduated from Dentsville High School after his family returned from Verdun, France where his father was stationed in the Army. It was here that he started his illustrious music career, forming his first band The Ideals Combo. Buddy was a fixture in the Columbia music scene for over thirty years; writing, performing and recording with longtime friend and lead guitar Frank Smoak.

It was performing at Ft. Jackson when Buddy met his first wife, Linda C. Parks. They had two sons, Christopher Boyd and Mark Alan. In 1993 Buddy married Valerie Ray, whom he met while working as a Registered Land Surveyor.

Surviving family members include his wife, Valerie; sister, Sharon (Poulalion); sons, Christopher and Mark; grandchildren, Amber and Christopher; and great-grandchildren, Brianna and Madison.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2016 from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, with a celebration of life party at a later date.