December 03, 1935 - October 17, 2018
Carl passed away peacefully, holding is bride of 58 years hand while surrounded by family, on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Spokane Veterans Home. Carl was born on December 3, 1935 in Colfax, WA to parents Banner and Beulah Ray, joining his three brothers: Marvin, Marion, and Floyd. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1953 where he excelled in baseball and golf. Carl joined the US Army and served from 1956 through 1958, counting a year in Germany and a fondly remembered sightseeing trip throughout Europe as his highlights. Upon his Army discharge, he returned to Colfax where he met Marilyn Vannice “in the parking lot of the county jail” and began a lifelong journey with her. They were married in 1960, and in 1961 they welcomed their first born into the world. Carl graduated from EWU in 1962 with an education degree, and quickly began a 28 year career in elementary education, all in the Mead School District. Three more children soon followed. Carl loved golf, computers, salmon fishing, was a ham radio operator (N7HKF), and was active at Messiah Lutheran Church. But what gave him the greatest joy was his family. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn; children Jeff (Nancy) Ray, Tim (Lara) Ray, Andy Ray, and Suzanne (Ken) Pierce; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his three brothers, with whom he is certainly “raising cane” with in glory. Our family would like to thank Horizon Hospice for guiding Dad through the final days of his earthly journey, and the amazing staff and friends at Spokane Veterans Home for their care and compassion for him over the last 14 months and for allowing us the honor of becoming a part of their family. The Celebration of Life for Carl will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4202 N Belt, Spokane, WA, on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at 3:00 pm at the Colfax Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Spokane Veterans Home “Resident Betterment Fund”, which goes directly towards the needs of our veterans.
