Obituary of Richard W. Ray

Ray, Richard W. “Dick”

Saginaw, Michigan

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and dear friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 89 years old. Richard W. Ray was born on August 29, 1934 in Saginaw to the late Clifford and Rosella (Worix) Ray. Dick graduated from Saginaw High School in 1953. He continued his education with an electrical apprenticeship with General Motors. Dick dedicated his skills to General Motors for over 40 years before his retirement. In retirement, Dick continued to share his skills with Spaulding Machine Shop. He married Nancy L. Deno on March 26, 1955 in Saginaw, and together they raised their four daughters. Nancy preceded him in death on March 20, 2002. Dick enjoyed playing cards and spending time with many dear family and friends. Throughout a lifelong friendship, Dick then married Barbara Beck on October 17, 2016, and she survives him. Dick was an athlete and sports fan, he enjoyed playing football in high school, bowling on many leagues, hunting and in his later years golfing. Dick also enjoyed camping and boating for over 30 years at Cedar Shores in Harrison and wintering in Bradenton, Florida. To know Dick was to love him, and his larger than life presence will be missed by all.

His amazing storytelling skills will be deeply missed by his family including his wife, Barbara Beck; his daughters and their families: Deborah (Alvin) Kneuss, Linda (Tom) Giummo, Brenda Slancik and Lisa (Erich) Arndt; step children: Linda Schulz and Kathleen (Thomas) Kitzman; 17 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy; step-son, Donald Beck; son-in-law, John Slancik; step son-in-law, Robert Schulz; four sisters and two brothers.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603 on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at 1:00 p.m.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com