Paul M. Ray, Jr

Paul M. Ray, of Rye, died quietly at the CO State Veterans Nursing Home in Walsenburg on Nov 4, 2009. He was born on Sept 11, 1921 in Pueblo to Paul M. Ray, Sr. and Beatrice Faye Turner. Paul was raised in Rye, where he attended school and was a 1939 graduate of Rye High School. On Nov 28, 1941, Paul married Carol Gilbert who was also a long-term resident of Rye. During WWII, Paul served in the Army Air Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant and taught aircraft gunnery in Panama City, Florida. Following the war, Paul and Carol settled in Pueblo where Paul worked as an electrician for the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation. Paul, Carol and their daughters later moved to the Ray family ranch nestled at the foot of Greenhorn Peak. This became Paul and Carol’s home for the next 55 years. Following his time with CF&I, Paul raised cattle on the Rye ranch. His interests included fishing and hunting in addition to ranching. Paul was active in the Rye Home United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol and an infant son. His survivors include his daughters, Toni (Larry) Brizendine of Rye and Karen Ray, of Boise, ID; his granddaughters, Tonna (Keith) Reece, of Moreland, ID and Lara (Kurt) Gilbert of Casper, WY; as well as 6 great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, Nov 14, at the Rye Home United Methodist Church.