Alan Edward Ray, Jr

Alan Edward Ray, Jr was born on November 13, 1944, to Alan Edward Ray (who was a pilot in the Navy at the time) and Mary Louise (Wilson) Ray in Pensacola, FL, and passed away on January 26, 2022, in Springfield, MO, at the age of 77.

Alan, known to family and childhood friends as Buddy, settled with his parents in Logansport, IN, while a young child and spent his formative years there.  Alan met the love of his life, Jeanne “JD” Daniels, while attending a Logansport High School teen dance on August 22, 1962.  Alan graduated in 1963 and, on December 11, 1964, Alan and JD eloped to Kentucky and spent every day thereafter completely devoted to each other.  Alan became an apprentice and, eventually, a certified Tool & Die Maker, the field in which he stayed until he was medically retired in 1995. Alan accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the tender age of 3 1/2 years.  Every day thereafter centered on serving the Saviour Who became his dearest Friend through this life and Who was there to greet him the moment he entered Heaven.  Alan read and studied his KJV Bible daily and was thrilled at every opportunity to share God’s Word with anyone and everyone he met.  He and JD found their second family at Branson Baptist Church where they have been active members for 3 years. 

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Monte Ray, and his beloved daughter, Laura (Ray) Camp. He’s survived by his sister, Patti (John) Altman, nieces and nephews, his wife and his children:  Lynnea (Felipe) Mejia, Alan “Dusty” (Laura) Ray, Michelle (Rodney) Brown, Michael (Amanda) Ray and David Camp (husband of Laura).  He is survived also by 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Alan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and precious memories for all who knew and loved him.  He will be profoundly missed.  

Services for Alan will be Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Branson Baptist Church, 311 W. Atlantic Street, Branson, MO, at 11:00 AM.  Viewing will be before the funeral service from 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM.   Services are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory.  Burial will be at a later time in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.