Ernest “Lyle” Ray of Ava, MO, passed from this life on June 30, 2023 at the age of 96. Lyle was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
Lyle was born on February 10, 1927, to Charles and Mary (Spurlock) Ray in Squires, Missouri. Lyle was the youngest of eight children: Clarence, Clara, Mabel, Edna, Inez, Zola, and Vernon.
Lyle served in the U.S. Army during WWII before marrying Nola Dean Shipps on November 1, 1947, and at the time of her death in 2016, was married for 68 years. To this union, Larry Wayne Ray, was born on September 14, 1948.
“Mom-Mom” and “Pa-Pa’s” was a special destination during holiday and birthday times, and family members looked forward to celebrating together as the family grew by welcoming daughter- in- law, Huba Ann (Welton) Ray, grandson, Matthew (Chicago), wife Samantha, and great-grandson, Charleston “Charlie” Ray; granddaughter, Nicole (Stockton), husband Wendell Painter, and great-grandsons, Sayge and Ridge Painter; and grandson, Taylor Ray (Ozark).
Lyle worked at White River Valley Electric until his retirement and enjoyed golfing, farming, and playing Bluegrass music until his health slowed him down during the last three years.
Funeral services for Lyle will be Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Missouri with burial following in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service on Thursday at 9:00 A.M. Officiating will be Pastor Oren Alcorn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/.
