Barry D.”Buzz” Ray, 74, of Petrolia, a well-known area resident, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh.
Barry was born at home in Brady’s Bend on November 5, 1943. He was the son of Kenneth and Pauline Shakley Ray. Buzz was a 1961 graduate of East Brady High School. He was a Harley Davidson and classic car enthusiast and owner, and enjoyed boating, and the company of his many friends. He retired in 2006 following 34 years of service at WITCO in Petrolia. He was a member of the Sons of the Brady’s Bend American Legion post, and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Chicora.
He is survived by his wife, Maria A. Gilmore Ray, whom he married in Petrolia on July 16, 2011; two daughters, Stephanie Mennor and her husband Eric, and Sandra “Fred” Gifford, and her husband, David, all of Chicora; eight grandchildren, Paige, Kyle, and Seth Mennor, Madison and Hunter Gifford, Keith and Kenneth McNaughton, and Megan Ray; as well as a number of great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Gary Ray, and his wife, Rochelle, of Centreville, MD; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends. Buzz also enjoyed the company of his dogs, Muffin, his devoted little girl who never left his side and Lacey whose kisses and affection brightened his day when she got him up every morning.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Ray, and his first wife, Patricia Jamieson Ray.
Buzz’s wishes were for his many friends to remember him as he was in life, so in accordance with those wishes, his funeral service will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City. Interment will be in Bear Creek Cemetery in Petrolia. Memorial contributions in Buzz’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, by visiting donatenow.heart.org.
For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.