Lynn "Mike" Ray

Lynn "Mike" Ray, 74, passed away on August 9, 2022, in Gilmer, TX.

Lynn Ray was born on July 31, 1948 in Texas City, Texas, where he was welcomed by William and Patsy Ray.
After graduating Gilmer High School in 1967, Lynn initially pursued a degree as a Music Major but promptly joined the Navy and proudly served his country for four years; deploying to Vietnam 3 times and to Persian Gulf during the Desert Storm conflict. Upon the completion of 4 years active duty, Lynn converted to Navy reserves and went back to school to get his Associates degree in Drafting. Lynn retired from the Navy Reserves as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1992, and after many years as a craftsman and carpenter, Lynn retired from Mt. Pleasant Housing in 2011.

Lynn met the love of his life, Betty, in Gilmer and married her on May 7, 1972. The Lord gave them a daughter, and they gave her the name Lyneisa.

Lynn was best known for his love of carpentry and his "Do it Yourself" nature. He was a creative problem solver and never let not knowing how to do something stop him. He could figure out how to do anything that needed to be done. He also had many little hobbies. Though woodworking was the activity with which Lynn made his living, he also enjoyed model railroading. Lynn was a pensive man and kept to himself, but for those who took the time to get to know him, he was a genuinely wonderful man. With a straight face, he would entertain his daughter with his dry humor. Lynn quietly and deeply cared for his family. In true fashion with his quiet and introverted manner, Lynn loved to read and became quite the History Buff. Though his experiences in the military were trying, he truly loved his country, the military and thoroughly enjoyed being at sea.

Lynn is survived by his loving wife, Betty Ray; his daughter, Lyneisa and husband, Joe Davidson; his sister, LeAnn Nash; his granddaughter; and two nieces and two nephews.

Lynn is preceded in death by parents.

The service for Lynn Ray will be held on Tuesday, August 16 at 10:00 am at Midway Baptist Church with Bro. Johnny Simmons officiating, interment to follow at Willow Oak Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Midway Baptist Church prior to the service beginning at 9:00 am.