L.C. Ray

Published 4:44 pm Monday, June 27, 2022

L.C. Ray was born in Dadeville, Alabama on Sept.12, 1930, and went to his eternal home June 22, 2022 at the age of 91. He lived most of his life in Clanton, Alabama, being highly regarded by all who knew him.

His life can be summed up on one word — “servant.” L.C. had a servant’s heart and demonstrated it both openly and privately.

He served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was not half-hearted in his devotion to God but walked with God daily, until like Enoch of old, God took him. He set a great example of a righteous man before his family. On multiple occasions when his family showed up unexpectedly at his house, they would find him on his knees beside his recliner, praying.

L.C. served his family. He was not materially wealthy, but he provided for Mary Alice, Becky and Randy with more than enough, and love was unlimited. Randy and Becky were so very proud to call him Daddy, and he was Pa to his very-much-loved granddaughter Lauren. Until he was too sick and was no longer able, L.C. took care of Mary Alice, his wife, unconditionally and without complaint.

He served his church. Both L.C. and Mary Alice were long-time members of Temple Assembly of God. He taught Sunday School for 63 years. While in the hospital during his illness, he was looking forward to being healthy enough to return to teaching his Sunday School class. He also served as a member of the church board for many years.  One small thing that probably went unnoticed, for many decades L.C. would get up early on Sunday mornings (or late on Saturday nights when it was really cold or really hot) and go turn on the air or heat at the church so that it would be at a comfortable temperature for the service.

L.C. also served his country. He was stationed in Germany for two years during the Korean War as part of the signal corps. It was there that he was introduced to radio, television and electronics repair that became his career.

He served his community. L.C. and his brothers James and Allen operated Ray’s TV in downtown Clanton. Later. L.C. opened his own repair shop. He then became a Radio & TV  instructor at the county vocational school. On multiple occasions through the years, when he ran into a former student in town, they would tell L.C. what an impact he made on their lives beyond the classroom. Never one to quit giving back, he purchased the local Radio Shack. Another area of community service was being a member of Gideons International  for 40 years.

L C was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Mary Alice Ray; his parents, H.A. “Buster” and Mary Ray; a brother, James Ray; and a sister, Louise Hopson. He is survived by his son Randy Ray (Barbara); his daughter Becky Ray (Al McCloskey); and his very special granddaughter Lauren Ray.  L.C. is also survived by a step-grandson, Bryan McCloskey (Dena) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and five step great-grandchildren; Blake, Ann-Elise, Leland, Haymes and Bryant, all of whom he loved dearly and cherished the times they came to visit. He is also survived by two brothers; Allen Ray of Dadeville, and Jim Ray (Joye) of Belt, Montanna; and two sisters, Clara Dean Gilliland of Clanton, and Glenda (Joe) Mims of Clanton.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10

If you would like, you can donate toward a ministry that builds wells in impoverished Africa in L.C.’s honor (online at https://adcag.org/give). He was very concerned about the lack of available clean water for areas of the world that do not have access. Select the Give Online button, select STL Water Wells from the Select a Fund dropdown and enter L.C. Ray in the optional memo field. The full amount you donate will go toward that project.

Funeral service was Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 3 p.m. from Temple Assembly of God Church.

Visitation was Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the church.

Interment will follow in Temple Assembly of God Cemetery, Clanton, Alabama.

Martin Funeral Home directing.

You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.