Wayne Cooper Ray

Wayne Cooper “Gunk” Ray of Tyler, Texas passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the age of 82 at Hospice of East Texas. He was born on January 30, 1941 in Tyler, Texas to Lynn Ray and Laura Christine Ray where he lived for most of his life.

He was a graduate of the first graduating class of Robert E. Lee High School in 1959 and attended Tyler Junior College. He then enlisted into the US Marine Corp.

He worked as a bookkeeper for Kelly Springfield, a service technician for a mechanic shop, and went on to work in the oil field.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Ray who passed of a sudden death at a young age, his parents, and the love of his life, his wife of 36 years, Glenda Gail Ray.

He is survived by his loving family including his son, Scott Ray and wife Kristen of Frisco, daughter Angie Smith and husband Britt of Tyler, and his 5 grandchildren who meant the world to him, Cason, Corbin, and Chloe Ray of Frisco, and Kaegan and Jaden Smith of Tyler, his sister Suzanne Johnson and husband Greg of Chapel Hill, Texas, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank Hospice of East Texas for the care and compassion they showed our father and our family in his final days. We would also like to thank the physicians and staff at Texas Oncology Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Hospice of East Texas.

A a time of visitation for Wayne will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 East 1st Street, Tyler. A "celebration of life" service will occur Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM, 1011 East 1st Street, Tyler. A graveside service will occur Friday, September 29, 2023 at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery, 7825 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Ray family.