John Melton Ray

John M. Ray, born December 5, 1944 in Brady, Texas, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 in Dallas, Texas after a lengthy illness.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Anne Ray, parents Jimmie and Chrystelle Ray, and brother William Thomas Ray.  He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Michael and Natalie Ray of Irving and their children David, Glen, Windsor, Rutledge and Shepard, daughter Michelle Ray of Plano, sister Ann Ray Miller and husband Marion of Cooper, brother Charles Ray and wife Valencia of Tyler, sisters-in-law Cindy Gayler and Charlotte Ray, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his beloved Italian Greyhound, Sophie.

John lived in several places during his childhood, including Indiana, Japan, and Italy before settling back in Shiloh, Texas.  He graduated from Cooper High School in 1963 and was a 1970 graduate of East Texas State University.

John married Deborah Anne Turner on August 8, 1970, and they moved to The Colony, Texas in 1976 to raise their family. John was a career salesman for several industrial supply companies until he retired in 2007.  John found his calling with the Sports Car Club of America and for almost 20 years could be found most weekends during racing season working at the tracks.  

John was a hilarious commentator, a talented artist, a sports car and music enthusiast, and was devoted to his family and friends. He was one-of-a kind, dearly loved, and will be deeply missed.

An outdoor service for John will be held at the tabernacle at Shiloh Cemetery in Klondike, Texas on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.    Services entrusted to Commerce Funeral Home.

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