Edward D. Ray Jr.

Edward D. Ray Jr., Tech Sgt. Retired, age 78, of Monticello passed away Saturday, July 20, 2013, at his home in Monticello. He was born March 1, 1935 to the late Edward D. "Buddy" Ray Sr. and Olie Mae Martin Ray. He was retired from the United States Air Force and National Guard where he was in the radar and photography division. Mr. Ray was instrumental in the development of moon pictures. He was also a local entrepreneur and business owner and was a licensed pilot. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ramone Patton and a nephew, Stacy Patton. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Reinhart Ray of Monticello; two sons, George C. Ray and wife, Stephanie and David E. Ray and wife, Kim all of Monticello; one daughter, Brenda S. Fiester and husband, John of Southaven, Miss.; three grandchildren, Aaron N. Ray, Brittany Fiester and Lauren Fiester; two nephews, Ralph and Gary Patton; and her caregivers, Elaine Connard and Cassie Johnson. Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Monday at St. Marks Catholic Church in Monticello with burial in Oakland Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. before the service at St. Marks. Memorials to: St. Marks Catholic Church, 1016 N. Hyatt St., Monticello, Ark. 71655 or American Parkinson Disease Association, Arkansas Chapter, P O Box 22445, Hot Springs, Ark., 71903. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.