Joseph Ray

Joseph Irving Ray, 89, of Kingsford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday April 24, 2016 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Joe was born July 10, 1926 in Norway, Michigan son of the late John and Mary (Connelly) Ray. Joe and Ethel (Paquin) were married in 1948, she was his queen and loved her more than life itself. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving during WWII. He was stationed in the Pacific Islands aboard The U.S.S. Hornet until being Honorably discharged in 1946. Following his years in the service, he worked as a Foreman in the Iron Workers Union. His work took him to many places across the Midwest from Chicago to South Dakota. He enjoyed spending his summers at Way Dam with his family on the pontoon boat, playing horseshoes and around the campfire. He also enjoyed dancing and playing the spoons while family members played instruments and sang. Joe was a great wood worker, very talented. You could always hear him cheering for his favorite teams, the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Red Wings. He had a great sense of humor and brightened the lives of everyone around him. He had a special place in his heart for all of his children and grandchildren, making them all feel like they were his favorite. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and welcomed them with open arms. Joe was also a faithful and longtime member of American Martyrs Catholic Church. Joe is survived by his son, Kevin Ray; daughters- in- law, Michelle, Carrie, Mary and Annie; Grandchildren, Adam (DeAnna) Ray, Darren (Jen) Ray, Angela Patterson, Brad Trulock, Stephanie (Kowayne), John (Taylor), Teresa (Anthony), Christine (Errol), Tylee, Kyle, Joe and Kathy; great grandchildren, Devon, Mikayla, Mya, Jayden, Jett, Charles, Marcus, Carter, Nevaeh, Luca, Addison and another great granddaughter expected in September; a sister, Irene McCarthy; brother- in- law, Elden (Phyllis) Paquin; and sister- in- law, Mary Jane; as well as many nieces and nephews, all who were very dear to his heart; he is further survived by Special friends, Julie Trulock, Del Powell and June Wallner. A special thank you to Julie and Del who were always very loyal and always by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; sons , Rodney, Jeff and Allen; brothers and sisters, Robert (Pat) Ray, Patricia Carlotto, Dorothy Faull, Patrick Ray (twin brother), Genevieve Maracini, Francis Ray; brothers and sisters- in- law, Leonard (Berta) Paquin, Lester Paquin , Vertin (Evelyn) Paquin , Edna (Tom) Henehan, Dorothy (Darold) Cousineau, Roy (Lala) Paquin and Martha (Ellery) Powell. "We all look forward to seeing your smiling face again." Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the American Martyr's Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. The American Legion Post #50 will accord full Military Honors at the Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Joseph Ray may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Joseph Ray

July 10, 1926 - April 24, 2016