COLUMBUS – Wendell R. Ray, 68 years old, of the Town of Columbus, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sept. 27, 2009.
He was born Oct. 8, 1940 in Leonardsville, the son of Charles & Beulah (Davis) Ray. He spent his childhood in the Richfield Springs area. On Oct. 23, 1971, he married Lodema M. Thomas, who predeceased him on April 25, 1985.
Wendelll is survived by his children: Steven and Stephanie Ray of New Berlin, Melinda Ray of New Berlin, Gary Ray of New Berlin, Julie and Martin Sharki of Norwich and Wendy and Terry Severin of Auburn; by 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; by his mother, Beulah Ray; and by seven brothers and sisters: Edward Ray, Paul Ray, Gary Ray, Neva Loomis, Naomi Wright, Martha Brown and Linda Brownell.
He was predeceased by his father Charles; brothers, Charles and Leon Ray; and sisters, Fran Robinson and Leola Ray.
Wendell had been a truck driver for Webb & Sons Lumber Co.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Columbus Community Church, Town of Columbus, with the Reverend Stephen Reese officiating.
Interment will be in the South Brookfield Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.