William was born on February 6, 1939 in Ray City, Georgia to Cursey and Pauline Ray.
William grew up farming with his family in Ray City until after he graduated from high school and joined the US Navy, where he served as a boilerman on battleships. After the Navy, he served in law enforcement in Valdosta, Georgia and Gulf Breeze, Florida.
He worked in several industries before entering the trade of air conditioning, which led to opening Ray’s Electric and Air Conditioning with his brother Chuck. He finished his work career when he retired as a building inspector for Sumter County. William went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on June 23, 2025 in Port Richey, Florida.
William is survived by his wife of 33 years, Irene Barker Ray, his son William E. “Billy” Ray, Jr. (Debbie), his daughter Deborah Ray White (Rick), grandchildren Jamie (Rod) Padgett, Chad Ray, Jennifer (Eric) James, Jessie Darnell, Catlin (Carissa) Darnell, and Destiny (Michael) Putrino, as well as 24 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. He is also survived by 2 brothers Charles Ray and Bobby (Linda) Ray and a sister, Jean Seiffert.
William was preceded in death by his parents Cursey and Pauline Ray, his sister Wilma Needham, his grandson Donny Ray, and one great grandchild.
William was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sumterville and is rejoicing in heaven with his healed body in the arms of his Lord and Savior.
A visitation will be held on June 30, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory – Purcell Chapel, located at 114 W Noble Ave. in Bushnell.
A service will be held on June 30 at 10 a.m. at Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory – Purcell Chapel, located at 114 W Noble Ave. in Bushnell.