Bobby Joe Ray (Bob)
On Thursday, May 6, 2021, Bobby Joe Ray (Bob), loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 86 in Reno, Nevada at the home of his youngest son.
Bob was born in 1934 in Sheridan, Arkansas to Colin and Viola (Cranford) Ray. At the age of seven years old he moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon with his parents and sister. Bob graduated from OTI with an associate degree and then lived in Lewiston, Idaho for several years where he was founder and president of the Valley Sports Car Club in 1962.
In 1963 Bob was appointed as Centennial Deputy Marshall for the state of Idaho by Governor Smiley. The next year was appointed as Centennial Marshall for the Lassen County Centennial celebration.
He moved to Susanville, CA in 1964 and met his future wife on a blind date the next year. After a long distance courtship, he married Pamela Schmidt in Ogden, Utah in April 1966. They raised one daughter and two sons.
He was employed at Cobel’s stationary store as a repairman of office machines for eleven years. Bob was then hired at the California Correctional Center as an instructor in 1974 and retired after 26 years. During that time he received a bachelor’s degree in vocational education.
Bob Ray was elected to the Lassen college governing board and served as President, Vice President, and board member.
He served as bishop of Susanville 1st Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for eight years and later as a temple worker at the Reno, NV temple. He also served as a religious coordinator at the Federal Correctional Institution in Herlong, CA until 2003.
Bob was passionate about his ‘55 T- Bird and fishing at nearby lakes.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Geri Dean.
He is survived by his loving wife Pam Ray; daughter, Roberta Hamilton (Gerald) Albuquerque, New Mexico; son Jason Ray (Shannon) N. Ogden, Utah; son Jon Ray (Christine) Reno, Nevada; 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 15 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 905 Richmond Road, Susanville, CA. Viewing preceding the funeral from 9:30am-11am. The burial will be May 20 at 2:00pm in Ogden, UT at Washington Heights cemetery.
