Ernest William (Bill) Ray passed away peacefully at his home in Tri City Oregon on April 1, 2021 at the age of 86. He was born on December 13, 1934 in Shenandoah County North Carolina

to parents Ernest and Hallie (Revis) Ray. Ernest served in the US Navy for a few years in the 1950's and then was a long haul truck driver for approximately 40 years until he retired

in 2005. Ernest enjoyed go karting in his early years as well as bowling throughout his life. He was also a lifelong Oakland Athletics and Buffalo Bills fan. For college sports he

enjoyed the Oregon State Beavers and the Oregon Ducks, enjoying watching all of their sports he could watch in the last few years of his life.

Ernest had only one sibling, a sister, Betty Santiago.

Ernest was married twice and had six children, three from each marriage. His first marriage was to Joyce Watkins (deceased) and they had three children, all sons, Michael, Martin (Billy), and

Matthew (Tommy). His second marriage was to Carol Justice in Sparks Nevada on 12/26/1968 and they had three children, two sons, Jeff and Michael, and a daughter, Carol.

Ernest was preceded in death by both of his parents, Ernest and Hallie; his only sibling, sister Betty Santiago; his son Tommy Ray from his marriage to Joyce; and his son Michael Ray,

from his marriage to Carol.

Ernest is survived by his wife Carol of Myrtle Creek; son Michael Ray of Oakland, CA; son Billy Ray of Washington State; son Jeff Ray of Roseburg, OR; daughter Carol Raley and her husband

Richard of Cottage Grove, OR; 10 grandkids; 7 great grandkids; 1 great-great grandkid; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services are being held for family and close friends today, April 9, 2021 at the Roseburg Memorial Cemetery. A private reception will follow at Carol's house in Tri City Oregon

immediately after the commencement of the services.

Officiating clergy is Ryan Crouch.