Roger Allen
Ray, M.D.


November 22, 1956 - November 9, 2018

 

 Roger Allan Ray went home to meet Jesus on November 9th, 2018.  He was born November 22nd, 1956 in Kansas.  He practiced Neurosurgery for 32 years in Florence and Kansas City.  Many knew Roger as the excellent neurosurgeon he was, and many people lived better lives because he loved what he did.  He loved his profession so much that he often said, “I am working until I can’t”.  More than this, Roger was an excellent person.  He was the very definition of manhood, as God created him.  He was humble, kind, and not concerned with earthly accolades, status, or achievements.  He was more interested in who you were as a person.  He treated every person with dignity and respect.  His life was about living out what he knew to be true, that we are to love God and love others.  Roger was never pretentious, always preferring to let the spotlight shine elsewhere.  He was gentle in spirit, rarely raising his voice, even when annoyed or angry.  No matter the pursuit, Roger went “all-in”, whether it was boating, tennis, biking, or traveling, he pursued it full force. 

 His most powerful example was how he displayed his love for his wife, Bebe, and his daughter, Jenny.  Everything he did was viewed through the lens of how it would affect them.  Roger gave his heart to Bebe in 1982 and to Jenny in 1992.  They knew each and every day that they were loved and cared about.  He would leave no stone unturned to make them happy.  His presence was big in their lives, and his love and goodness shaped their lives and made them better people.  It was truly a privilege to have had him in their lives.  He was a blessing and we celebrate him. 

Roger joins his father, Harold Ray; mother, Ruby Samuelson Ray; brother, Bruce Ray; and beloved father-in-law, Paul Brown Jr. in Heaven.  Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Bebe Brown Ray; beloved daughter, Jenny Ray, 26 of Nashville; Dr Morris Ray and wife, Sherry, of Memphis.  He was also blessed to have spent time traveling with his numerous cousins and their families whom he loved. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 11, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Spry-Williams Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held Monday, November 12 at noon at Woodmont Baptist Church of Florence with Rev. Chad Hess officiating.  The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.  You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com

Rejoice always, pray continuously, giving thanks in all circumstances.  For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18



Visitation

November 11, 2018
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Visitation

Spry Williams Funeral Home, Helton Drive, Florence, AL, USA

November 11, 2018 4:00 pm

Get Directions

Funeral

November 12, 2018
12:00 pm

Body will lie in state one hour prior to service, Burial at Greenview Memorial Gardens.

Funeral

Woodmont Baptist Church, Darby Drive, Florence, AL, USA

November 12, 2018 12:00 pm

Get Directions

23 Comments on “Roger Allen Ray, M.D.”

  1. One of the greatest men I’ve ever known. Prayers & Hugs for his wife and daughter, whom he adored and glowed when he spoke of them❤ RIH, Dr Ray. May God wrap his almighty arms around your family, until you meet again.

  2. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bebe and Jenny and I ask that
    The Lord strengthen and undergird you with His comfort and peace during this difficult time.

    Rebecca Moore
    Edmond, Oklahoma

  3. I will always remember Dr Ray as not only being the best surgeon I could have asked for, but for being so kind, compassionate, and understanding. Never pretentious, he always wanted the best result for his patients. My prayers for his family during this difficult time.

  4. My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ray at Centerpoint Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. He was a talented surgeon and an amazing person, always courteous and caring for others. He will be missed by many and I will always remember his smile.

  5. Dearest Bebe and Jenny,
    So sorry for you loss, may you both find peace at this difficult time . Prayers and thoughts with you both and family.

    Love,
    Lynn Hastings
    ( Lifetime Fitness)

  6. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Ray in Kansas City, MO at Centerpoint Medical Center. He always called me by name, and had a smile on his face and something kind to say. His patients loved him as well. He touched so many lives and his legacy will live on. Praying for all who love him.

  7. Dear Bebe,
    I’m so sorry. You are constantly in our thoughts .
    Love,
    Erika and John Reinke

  8. Dear Bebe and Jenny,
    I’m so very sorry for your loss of Roger so suddenly. May God grant you both a peace that you cannot understand and a strength you can’t explain now and in the future. Roger was a wonderful doctor and a gracious human being! He will be greatly missed in the medical community!
    Prayers and hugs,
    Cindi Roy

  9. I will remember him as such a gentleman. He was a wonderful, caring doctor. It was an honor to know him.

  10. My condolences and prayers to Bebe and Jenny . He was a wonderful , kind, caring doctor that I had the honor to know him.
    RIP Dr. Ray

  11. I was very blessed to meet Roger, and more importantly work with him as a colleague. We were fortunate that Roger decided to move to Kansas City and join us providing Neurosurgical care to those in need. You should know that he touched many lives. Thanks to Bebe and Jenny for sharing him with us. May God look over both of you during this very difficult time.

  12. I send sincere condolences to Dr. Ray’s family. I was lucky enough to have him for a surgeon for my back surgery. Thanks to his wonderful skill I am painfree. He was a blessing to all. God Bless!

  13. Before moving out of state, I was an OR nurse at ECM Hospital in Florence. When Dr. Ray joined the medical staff, my love for my work in Neurosurgery
    grew even more. He was calm, caring, generous in spirit and had a great sense of humor. But he was exceptional, in that he always treated everyone with the utmost respect. I am thankful for the privilege and pleasure of having worked with him.
    Dr. Ray, you will be greatly missed.

    My thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength are with your family.

  14. Dr. Ray was a kind and gentle man. Although I only worked with him for a short time, it was obvious how much he loved his wife and daughter and how proud he was of them. My prayers are with his family.

  15. BB and Jenny,

    We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Roger was a great guy and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. May God be with you, bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.

  16. Bebe, we were completely shocked to hear about Roger’s sudden passing at such a young age. Our hearts are aching for you and Jenny. You probably will not even remember me, but I knew you through Medical Alliance and admired your reputation for teaching Community Bible study and having a close walk w/ God. I saw Dr. Ray in his office once briefly. Danny as an ER specialist worked with Roger some. We know you are depending on the Spirit’s strength in this ordeal. You and Jenny are being lifted before our Father now and will be in days to come. We love you.

  17. So very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. I had the good fortune of working with Roger in Independence, Mo. He was a great guy and a superb physician, and will definitely be missed by all who knew him.

    My sincere condolences to Bebe and Jenny….. my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  18. Bebe and Jenny,
    I’m so sorry! I just heard of your loss last night. Prayers for your family
    Cyndy Ambrose

  19. There are few people I enjoyed talking with more than Roger. He was extremely well read, a great listener and you always felt like you were his equal. We checked “attend World Series” off our bucket lists and had a phenomenal road trip to Austin that will remain one of my fondest memories. I am so grateful to have known him.

    To Bebe and Jenny, we’re thinking of you and love you guys!

    Respectfully,
    The Murray Family

  20. Bebe and Jenny,

    Words escape me. My deepest sympathy and sorrow on the death of Roger. Everyone here in Independence and Kansas City area were shocked and saddened
    by the news. Roger was well respected and loved by physicians ,nurses ,therapists and patients. He was an excellent and thoughtful surgeon who took great care of his patients, and they trusted him completely. Florence’s gain was our loss. On a personal note I am heartbroken. It is so rare to reconnect w someone you were in school with thirty odd years ago, and get along great together! I enjoyed our dinners together,golfing ,bowling and watching hockey games. Play dates w Jenny and Kate were always a blast.What a great person and friend he was!! I will miss him dearly, and my heart goes out to you and Jenny and everyone else in Florence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Anthony Migliazzo, Patti, Kate , and Joe

  21. Am so very sorry, hoping you find comfort in the many prayers with you,Bebe and Jenny. God be with you both.

  22. BeBe and Jenny
    So very sorry to hear such awful news about Roger. I’ve been trying to send a card, but no mailing address since you’ll
    just moved. OUr prayers will be with you as you deal with all the legal stuff and start on the next chapter of your lives.
    I met you at Paul and Dawn’s wedding…am Ginger’s first cousin. Was a pleasure meeting you, knowing you are believer also.
    Blessings and prayers to you both,
    marybeth patton
    parker, co

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