West Chatham Chapel

Pooler - Mr. Bill Ray, 76, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2008 in Savannah. Bill was born on November 24, 1931 in Montgomery, Alabama and was raised in Bartow, Georgia.

Bill was a graduate of the University of Georgia and a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He received his masters degree from Troy University in Alabama. He served our armed forces for over 27 years and was a Vietnam Veteran, Master Aviator and Ranger. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, 21 Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pooler and the Harvesters Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the Rotary International and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Gail Holland Ray; sons, MAJ (Ret) David G. (Linda) Ray, Currituck, N.C., LTC (Ret) George D. Ray, Clemmons, N.C.; daughters, Salita R. (Adam) Hill, Savannah, Jule (Dale) Edmunds, Augusta; stepchildren, Yancy Stokes (Stephanie), Florence, S.C., Karen (Jeff) Moore, Rincon, Mendel (Alana) Stokes, Hartsville, S.C., Wendy (Steve) Moore, Hartsville, S.C.; grandchildren, 2LT Derek Ray, Justin Ray, Lauren Ray, Kelly Ray, Josh Edmunds and Haley Edmunds; fourteen step grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 9-10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Pooler.

Funeral: 11 a.m. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Pooler with Rev. Otis Hill officiating.

Burial: 3:30 p.m. at the Bartow City Cemetery in Bartow, Georgia with full military honors and Pastor Lovejoy officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers are Hubert Jordan, John Mancin, Johnnie McMillan, Buster Minor, Bruce Salter, Ken Smith, Wiley Evan, Chip Evans and Fred Evans.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be given to The Old Savannah City Mission (to support homeless veterans), 2414 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or to the First Baptist Church of Pooler, Building Fund, P.O. Box 506, Pooler, GA 31322.