Lt Col Milton Cloy Ray was born in Lamesa, TX on February 4, 1926 to Klyde & Essie Ray and was escorted to Heaven May 12, 2026 at the age of 100 from his home in Birmingham, AL. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Allene Carr Ray; his son Milton Keith Ray; and his granddaughter Carryn Frances Hay. Their 70 years of marriage was a testament of faith, deep love and total commitment they held dear all their lives.

Foremost in Milton's life was his faith and love of our Lord whom he served with great devotion. He was a deacon at Richland Baptist and then at First Baptist where he taught Sunday School well into his 90's. He was also active in the Gideons and faithfully handed out Bibles to high school students. After Frances' death, he moved to Birmingham and was an active member of Valleydale Church. He and Frances together instilled  faith, wisdom, and values into the lives of many but especially to their family. His surviving four children are NaWana VanCanneyt, Michael (Sherry) Ray, Mollie (Patrick) Hay, and Carrliss (John) Quekemeyer. Their legacy continues  with 14 grandchildren: Audrey (Colin) Vincent, Chelsea (Vincent) Ross, Peter VanCanneyt, David Ray, Micah (Warren) Ott, Addie (Joe) Tiddle, Steven (Kelly) Hay, Lindsay (Rick) Davis, Catherine (Bryan) Omohundro, Scott (Lauren) Hay, Daniel (Mandy) Quekemeyer, Amanda (Kyle) Warram, Michael (Pam) Quekemeyer, and Meredith Dunlap. "Pops" was deeply loved and continued his integral role in the lives of his 27 great-grandchildren: Ethan Vincent, Caiden & Carrson Ross, Sydney & Aulbry Ott, Edythe & Miriam Tiddle, Brianna, Zachary & Allyson Hay, Mollie, Xander & Sophie Morales, Christopher, Nicolas & William Davis, Berkley Graves, Sophia & Amelia Omohundro, Harrison, Nolan & Graham Hay, Palmer Zeimet, Madison,   Gabrielle, & Alyssa Warram and Carter Dunlap; and 1 great-great grandson, Zaylem Ott.

Milton enlisted in the US Army as a freshman in college, served in Japan during WWII, then continued his service in the US Army Reserves rising to the rank of Lt Colonel – a true patriot. He graduated from Texas Tech University, later moved his family to Memphis and had a lifelong career with the USDA, Cotton Division. During those years he earned his Master's Degree and after retiring taught the GED program to prisoners in the City of Memphis and Federal penal system.

Cruises were a favorite way to travel and were frequent. He loved his ice cream and cookies as well as playing games and Mexican Train. Dominoes and a rousing game of Wahoo were played often among the 3 generations during visits. Family time was so important and created cherished memories. He truly loved writing letters and waited eagerly for replies. He was an avid reader as is evident by his huge book collection. In addition to his vast knowledge, he had a very sharp mind, often had a joke to tell and a wonderful sense of humor including his last days. Milton was a kind and generous man.

Milton will be greatly missed but what a tremendous influence he had in their lives and his family will continue to receive countless blessings from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 23rd @ noon, followed by his funeral service at 1:00pm at St George's Church, Germantown, TN. Please join the family for fellowship and lunch immediately following. Private burial will be at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Gideons International.