Francis Loren Ray Sr.

Francis Loren Ray, Sr., 81, of Wellston, Ohio passed away Monday August 1st, 2023 at Jenkins Care Community following an extended illness. Francis was born at home in Ray, Ohio on December 22, 1941 to the late Floyd and Muriel Ray. He was a graduate of Wellston High School, after which he married his high school sweetheart, Melody (Spires) Ray. The couple built their own home where they would enjoy 60 years of marriage and welcome three children, Melissa “Missy” Wilson (Mike), Francis “Bub” Ray, Jr. (Cassi), and Stephen “Greg” Ray (Robin). Francis was a retiree of Mead Paper Company in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was a boiler engineer. After his retirement, he served for several years as trustee of Washington township in Jackson county. Francis, or “Pap” as he was known to adults and children alike, was a master gardener and most years he was able to keep the entire neighborhood supplied with his specialties, Ambrosia sweet corn and Brandywine tomatoes, all season long. He was an avid outdoorsman who once bagged a giant buck on his own farm, which became a thing of legend. You could often find Francis fishing in his pond, bird watching, or catching the Buckeyes on tv on a Saturday. He had a quick wit that would catch nearly anyone by surprise, and was always there to lend a helping hand when a family member was in need. Most importantly, Francis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. In addition to his wife and their children, he is survived by his grandchildren Chelsea Ray, Justin Wilson, Ashley Phillips, Hillary Kinzie, Brandi Searles, Cody Ray, and Mary Zinn, and great-grandchildren Alaina, Melody, Isabelle, August, Daisy, Skyler, Morgan, Beckett, Harper, Lakelyn, Theodore, Ada, Marlowe, and Silas. He is also survived by siblings Elwyn “Buck” Ray, Bruce Ray, Lenora “Sue” Jarvis, Donna Mavis, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Floyd “Bud” Ray, Jr, and sisters Doris, Eloise, Louise, Inez, and Margaret. Funeral services for Francis L. Ray, Sr. will be held at 4PM Saturday, August 5th, 2023 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson, Ohio, with Pastor Jim McFadden officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 2-4PM. Graveside services will take place at a later date, at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com

Francis Loren Ray Sr.

December 22, 1941 - August 1, 2023