Ray was born on December 14, 1936 in Keytesville, MO to Cecil Earl Taylor and Minnie Grace Gotterman Taylor. He was one of six children. He attended Keytesville High School. Ray married Virginia Evelyn Martin, on December 18, 1955. They recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. Early in Ray’s vocational career he worked at a clay pigeon factory in Kansas City. Later he drove a propane delivery truck. He finished his career with two decades at Chemtech Chemical as a truck driver and warehouse inventory specialist. Ray and Virginia welcomed three children into their home. His children remember him as a good and faithful man. Faithful to his family, to Virginia, to the Lord, and his church. He possessed a quiet strength that drew admiration and respect from all who knew him. Ray was as genuine and authentic a man as you would ever want to meet. Ray enjoyed watching the Chiefs and the Royals. Hunting and fishing were also a source of great enjoyment.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters.
Ray is survived by his wife, Virginia, of the home; son David and wife, Linda Taylor; daughter Terry and husband, Joe Perkins; daughter Cathy and husband, Bob Kidder. Ray is also survived by his nine grandchildren – Laura, Sarah, Rachell, Nikki, Bryan, Melissa, Christina, Adam and Taylor; and thirteen great-grandchildren.