On Monday, April 30, 2012 our beloved Howard W. Ray passed away at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital after a truck accident. He was 79 years of age. Howard was born on December 20, 1932 in Tate, Georgia. He was the only child born to Howard W. Ray and Clara Boling Ray. Howard spent his early years in Pickens County, graduating from Tate High School, Class of 1951. He received an athletic scholarship from Georgia Tech. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS Kearsarge. He was a member of the Trusty Shellbacks of the Ancient Order of the Deep (crossing the equator). Howard was a reciepent of the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the China Service Medal. During his service time he enjoyed playing on the Kearsage basketball and baseball teams; winning the Far East Championship in basketball. Howard was a proud member of the American Legion Thomas M. Brady Post 45 Canton, Georgia. After his stint in service he returned home and signed a contract to play catcher with the New York Yankees. Upon leaving trainging he returned home to be with his family and work. From 1980-1998 he operated his own business, Ray’s Foundations. After retiring from self-employed he worked at Arrowhead Country Club and the City of Jasper. Howard enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, softball and later golf his entire life. In his leisure time he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and watching sports. Left to cherish his memory is his family who loved him very much, his wife, Dr. Rebecca Ray; daughter, Jorene Cleghorn and husband Billy; grandchildren, Jacob Ray Cleghorn, Jodi LaRae Poole Frank; husband, Jason, step-grandchildren Savannah and Anderson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Ray Poole. On Wednesday, May 2, we celebrated his life at Cagle Funeral Home with Bishop Lance Johnson officiating. The Disabled American Veterans of Pickens County Chapter #47 conducted military rites at the funeral chapel. An Inurment ceremony will be at a later date at The National Cemetry in Canton, Georgia.