Steve Ray

Steve Ray, 68, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, after a brave battle with ALS. His family is heartbroken, yet grateful he is no longer suffering with such a cruel disease. Steve is survived by his wife of 27 years, Teresa; six children: Lindsey (Alan), Amanda, Matthew (Lauren), Chris (Candy), Travis (Nikki), and Shannon (Powhatan); and 13 grandchildren: Alahna, Hunter, Layla, Harper, Zoe, Caleb, Landon, Jordan, Rivi, Nora, Reese, Brooke, and Bayley. Steve is also survived by his two sisters, Kathy (Cecil), and Brenda (Dave); his two sisters at heart, Laurie and Patty, and the mother of his children; Catherine, with whom he remained friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Grady Ray; his sister, Joan; and his brother, Danny. Steve was one of the kindest and most gentle people in the world. He respected everyone from all walks of life and never judged anyone for the decisions they made. He was honest, hard working, trustworthy, and willing to do anything for his friends and family, even coming to dig them out of a muddy ditch at 2am. Whenever it snowed, Steve pulled out the plow and drove all around Fredericksburg, helping clear driveways for numerous family members and friends. He was the one person that so many called whenever they needed help, and he always jumped in right away with whatever was needed. Steve was dependable and hard working to his core, and he also took time to enjoy the simple things in life. Give him a fishing pole, metal detector, a wood saw, or even a comfy chair on a sunny porch, and he was happy for hours. He was an avid Washington Nationals fan, and his family was grateful for their win on the day of his passing. He loved all of his kitties over the years, and his Poppy especially gave him so much comfort and love in his final months. He loved camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren, and those memories will help carry his family through the difficult moments. His Honda Goldwing was another love of his, and he traveled many states and many miles with good friends and family over the years. Music was also a special part of his life; he loved listening to Classic Rock and music from the 60s. He shared his love of music with his children, often introducing them to music they may have not otherwise listened to and taking them to concerts over the years. Steve was a loving and kind family man and was happy doing almost anything that involved his wife, kids, grandkids, and extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Steve was a self-described “working man,” and he requested that everyone come as they are comfortable to the services, no suits expected. A visitation for Steve will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 9:30am to 10:30am at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel. His Celebration of Life will start at 10:30am with a graveside service to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ALS Association (www.als.org) or the SPCA (www.fredspca.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com for the Ray family.