George Robert "Bobby" Ray, age 85, of Winston, Georgia passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 20, 2023. He was well cared for by his second oldest daughter, Kim Ray, who was his twenty-four hour caregiver. His wish and prayer was to be cared for by family at his home. God answered this prayer through his daughter, Kim.
Bobby was born in Jasper, Georgia (Pickens County) on December 19, 1937 to the late Albert Henry and Onah Mae Ray. Bobby was Baptist by Faith and a member of Canaan Fellowship Baptist Church in Mableton, Georgia. Bobby proudly served his country as a Veteran of the U.S. Army.
Bobby married Brenda Allene Shumate in August of 1957. They were married 59 years until her passing on November 16, 2016. Bobby and Brenda began their life together in Atlanta, Georgia, where they worked and provided for their four children. He was a dedicated Son, Husband, Daddy and Paw-Paw.
Bobby enjoyed spending time with his family. The most enjoyed time was time spent fishing in Pensacola, Florida. The family took many vacations there together. He enjoyed good music and dancing with his wife Brenda. Bobby was a dedicated employee of Standard Federal Savings & Loan in Atlanta, Georgia for most of his adult life. His role was Chief of Engineering, where he maintained a twelve-story bank. He was highly admired and recommended by his company and all of the tenants. He took on many side jobs, as he knew this would provide better for his family. He enjoyed working hard until his retirement in 1981. Between Bobby and Brenda, their life together would provide all they needed.
Bobby enjoyed fixing anything in need of repair, from minor to extreme. He was a jack of all trades and master of all from plumbing to electrical. He taught his children a lot of these skills, noting that they would need them going into adulthood.
A dedicated son, Bobby and his siblings alternated weekends to care for their elderly Momma and Daddy, to insure they were well-cared for as needed in their later years. Bobby enjoyed telling stories of his childhood, most favorably, about Dolly, his pony.
In addition to his parents, Albert and Onah Mae Ray, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Brenda Ray; brothers, Gary Ray and wife Angie, and Al Ray and wife Faye; sister, Ann Cleland and husband Kenneth.
He is survived by his four children, daughters, Kim Ray of Winston, Georgia, Tammy Griffin and husband Kenny of Carrollton, Georgia, Dywana Miller and husband Randy of Winston, Georgia; his son, Ricky Ray and wife Krista of Lebanon, Indiana; brother, Harold Ray of Buchanan, Georgia; sister, Gyalia Ray of Covington, Georgia; grandkids, Peyton Ray of San Antonio, Texas, Jared Ray of Highland Heights, Kentucky, Cole Caldwell of Carrollton, Georgia, and Casey Miller of Douglasville, Georgia; as well as several nieces, nephews and other extended family.
Bobby will be dearly missed by his family. Most importantly, by his four children, Kim, Dywana, Tammy and Ricky.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Rosehaven Chapel with Brother Bobby Cheek officiating. Mr. Ray will be laid to rest at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens in Rome, Georgia, with military honors, Friday afternoon at 2:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitleygarner.com for the Ray family.
Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of Bobby Ray.
