A Celebration of Life
Michael Eugene Ray "Big Mike", entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 29, 2021. Michael was born on July 22, 1960 to the parents of Robert Lee, Sr. and Virdie Mae Ray in Lubbock, Texas.
Michael attended public schools in Lubbock, where he graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in 1978. On July 7, 1978 Michael entered the United States Air Force. He was assigned to five different military bases during his military career. Michael wrote countless technical orders to improve procedures and was awarded three cash awards for writing new and updated procedures. Michael retired October 1, 2000 at Charleston Air Force Base as a Master Sargent. After retirement he was employed with the Department of State in Passport Services for 16 years. He worked at the Dallas Passport Agency and Charleston Passport Center. He enjoyed working with and learning from his fellow passport specialists. He was eventually promoted to supervisor.
Michael is a graduate of Non-Commissioned Office Leadership School, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Community College of the Air Force and Limestone College with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Management (Cum Laude) He also graduated from Webster University with a Master's in Human Resource Development and a Master's in Leadership Management.
In addition to his parents, Michael E Ray was proceeded in death by one brother, Robert Lee "Pete" Ray, Jr., and one sister, Jacquelyn "Jackie" Ray Porch.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving, devoted wife, Stacey E Ray "Big Bird" of 22 years. Sisters, Gwendolyn "Pan" Titus of Lubbock, Texas, Karen Sue Anderson of Lubbock, Texas and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pall Bearers: Clint Watts, Clay Watts, Ben Greene, Morgan Shannon, Scott Cook, BJ Stice, Don Robinson, Honorary Pall Bearers:
Bryan Zavala, Brysan Zavala, Kalon Duvall, Jamar Duvall, Christopher Scott, Billy Scott, Nicolas Scott, Jeremy Scott, Noah Titus Toler, Jerome C Whitmore, Christian Davis, Chrishaud Davis, Colton Stice, Tremain Curry
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021, from 6pm to 8pm at the McAlister-Smith Funeral Chapel, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445. A celebration of life will be held at the Summerville Church of Christ, located at 413 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC 29485, on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, from 11am to 12pm. Burial will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens, 11000 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.
Please visit our tribute page at www.mcalister-smith.com/obituaries