Ernest Charles Ray, of Crocker, was born on August 12, 1926, at Dixon, a son of Clarence and Mae (Robertson) Ray, and departed this life at 12:40 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016, in the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital, Columbia. Mr. Ray had attained the age of 90 years, 2 months, and 13, days.

Mr. Ray was united in marriage on November 13, 1950, in the Crocker Presbyterian Church, Crocker, to Virginia Mae Tomlinson. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; his mother, Mae; three brothers, Donald Ray, Frank Ray and Roland Ray and two sisters, Katherine Hance and Stella Roberts.

Mr. Ray was a United States Army veteran having served during World War II. He was baptized as a young man and was a member of the Crocker Presbyterian Church, Crocker. Mr. Ray was a self-taught mechanic of small engines and owned and operated his shop at his home in Crocker. He enjoyed working on small engines, mowing yards and cutting wood.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Ray include: his wife of over 65 years, Virginia Ray, Crocker; two brothers, Raymond Ray and his wife, Verla, of Iberia and Wayne Ray of Crocker; two brothers-in-law, Glenn Moore and his wife, Janet, of Eldon and James Tomlinson and his wife, Barbara of St. Peters; two sisters-in-law, Nadine Ray of Iberia and Becky Ray of Dixon; numerous nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Ray at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 28, 2016, in the Crocker Presbyterian Church, with Doug Jacobson officiating.

Interment was in the Crocker Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mr. Ray were Steve Ray, Tony Martin, Clarence Ray, Donnie Ray, Ronnie Layman, Randy Hagemann and Mike Tomlinson. Honorary pallbearers were Bob Bowman, Wayne Beal, Curt Ray, Allen Marso, Joe Krouse and Roland Ray, Jr.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Crocker Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund with envelopes available at the church or the office of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services.