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Lonny Lee Ray

Lonny Lee Ray was born on January 9th, 1950 to Mabel and Oscar Ray in the quaint little town of Magnolia, Mississippi.

Lonny grew up in Summit, Mississippi spending a short stint of his adolescence in Eupora before moving back to Summit.

He was the youngest of his brothers, Charles, Joe, and Larry, his twin brother, who was only minutes older.

The Ray boys, as they were known to many in the small town of Summit, left quite the impression on the community.

Lonny naturally had an inquisitive and compassionate mind. His thirst for knowledge led him to obtain a Bachelor of Sociology Degree at The University of Southern Mississippi.

After years of life and all its little lessons, Lonny found Beverly. From that moment on, his life would never be the same. Lonny married Beverly in the spring of ’86,

each having children from previous marriages, Lonny’s son, Jacob and Beverly’s daughter, Betsy. Two years later in the early spring of ’88, along came Cal.

Shortly after Cal was born, so, too, was one of the greatest accomplishments of Lonny Ray’s life, Lonny Ray Day Camp. A place, an experience that has left a

lasting impression on the hearts of all who ventured down that long gravel drive. Lonny was a kindhearted, soft-spoken man with an unwavering presence that

made coming to the camp each summer feel like coming home.

His education along with his big heart and family values are what shaped Lonny to become the “helper” he so devotedly was. Always willing to lend a helping

hand and a kind word, Lonny was the friend you never knew you needed, but were so grateful you had. He was loved so dearly, not only by the many

who crossed his path at the camp, but by the ones who knew him best, his family. His unconditional, unparalleled love for his children and his grandchildren

was that of selfless proportions. Lonny’s character is best described by this single verse: “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

A son, a brother, a husband, a father, a father-in-law, a papa, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend with a true heart of gold; That’s who Lonny Ray was and that’s who

he will always be to all who had the honor of knowing and loving him. May his legacy live on through the memories and stories told of the great Lonny Ray.

Lonny Lee Ray, 70, of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi passed from this life on the evening of Sunday, December 20th, 2020. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony

to be announced at a later date.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Oscar and Mabel Ray.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly Ray; his son, Jacob Ray and his son, Cal Ray and wife, Kayla; daughter, Betsy Smith and husband, Grady.

He is also survived by his 3 brothers, Charles Ray and wife, Carolyn, Joe Ray and wife, Gay, and Larry Ray and wife, Trisha. Along with 6 grandchildren,

Duncan and Evan Smith, Riley and Maggie Ray, and Shep and Helen Ray.

In lieu of flowers, please send to any children’s charity of your choice or to First United Methodist Church Brookhaven’s Angel Tree Fund.

6 comments

  • Comment Link Randy and Rose Walker Monday, 18 January 2021 11:53 posted by Randy and Rose Walker

    1/18/21
    Just now seeing this about Lonny Ray. We have fond memories of him and Beverly at The Day Camp, and we lived next to his in-laws, the Norwoods. Our son went to Montessori School and took swim lessons at Lonny Ray’s. He was a kind and accomplished man. Condolences, Randy and Rose Walker

    Report
  • Comment Link Harvey Magee Sunday, 27 December 2020 16:00 posted by Harvey Magee

    So sorry, just hearing about Lonnie! He was such a kind man! I always enjoyed engaging in conversation with him! We will be lifting you up in prayer Beverly, along with all the other family members! God bless all of you as you continue your lives without this wonderful man! Harvey & Debby Magee❤️

    Report
  • Comment Link Linda  Steve Hill Wednesday, 23 December 2020 19:21 posted by Linda Steve Hill

    Our prayers are with you Cal and family. It’s hard to lose family during Christmas. Hold on to hose special memories!

    Report
  • Comment Link Tina gilbert Roberts Wednesday, 23 December 2020 17:21 posted by Tina gilbert Roberts

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lonny Ray, never just called him Lonny, was one of a kind person. He’ll be missed by all.

    Report
  • Comment Link Deborah Smith Wednesday, 23 December 2020 07:21 posted by Deborah Smith

    So sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed.
    Praying for comfort during this time.
    Deborah and Matthew Smith

    Report
  • Comment Link Bo Ivy Wednesday, 23 December 2020 07:11 posted by Bo Ivy

    Prayers are with you Beverly and the entire Ray Family and all concern. I meet Lonnie at one of the early stages of Brookstock and found him to be a very humble man and I could see why so many people admired him. R.I.P. Sir.

    Bo Ivy
    Slidell,La.

    Report

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