John Steven Ray, 63, of Ludington, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024, at SKLD of Whitehall. He was born May 8, 1961, in Chicago, the son of John M. and Jean (Skogsberg) Ray.
John was employed at Haworth Inc. in Ludington for 14 years until his retirement in 2014 due to cancer. In his spare time, John was an avid outdoorsman who loved wildlife, enjoyed hunting/fishing, music, and any excuse for a good time. Most of all, John loved being with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
On December 5, 1992, in Gladwin, John married the love of his life Melissa Anne Brand, who survives him. He is also survived by: three sons, Logan Ray of Ludington, Griffin (Brianna) Ray of Twin Lake, and Chase (Hannah Tinkham) Ray of Ludington; six grandchildren, Samuel, Sawyer, Sutton, Sylvia, Chase and Saige; his sisters, Julie Senkler and Janice Ray; his nephews, Mark Ray, Matt Senkler, Zachary Ellis, and Bryan Ellis; mother-in-law Linda (Jim) Anderson; sister- in-law Krista (Patrick) Brand Walsh; best friends Bruce (Cheryl) Richardson.
John was preceded in death by his parents; and his nephew, Jeff Senkler, and father-in-law Glenn Stephison.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Hesperia Chapel, with Pastor Les VanDyke officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 3 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Hesperia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with final expenses.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Hesperia Chapel oversees arrangements.