Obituary: Vernon G. Ray

Vernon G. Ray, at 78
At his request there will be no services for Vernon Gene Ray, of Myrtle Point, Ore. He died Feb. 25, while in assisted living in Coos Bay. He was 78.
Mr. Ray was raised by his parents, Mona and Sanford Ray in Myrtle Point, where he attended school. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1957 and, after basic training, was stationed in Washington where he met and, in 1959, married Betty Colleen Overturf. 
Gene and Betty travelled extensively due to his military service. They were stationed in Washington state; the Azores in Portugal (twice); Wichita Falls, Texas; Denver, Colo.; and in Tampa, Fla., where, in 1977, he retired from the Air Force. On his retirement, the family moved to Myrtle Point, and Gene went to work for the Coos Forest Protective Association. He retired in 1992.
Mr. Ray was talented at any task he undertook. While in the military, he earned the highest honor, Distinguished Rifleman, during his time with the Air Force Rifle Team, and competed throughout the world. In his personal life, he enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, woodworking, making jewelry, and driving fast cars; he also was a serious rock hound. He loved fishing and hunting, and he had many stories from different parts of world where he had enjoyed these sports.
Mr. Ray was preceded in death by his wife Betty; his parents; and his brothers, Ronald Ray and Gerald Johnson. He is survived by his sister, Jeannette Jan Skelton. He also leaves his sons and their spouses, David and Susan Ray of Hull; Ricky and Donda Ray, of Coquille; and Jody and Dominique Ray, of Coquille; his grandchildren, Ashley, Nicole, Crystal, Trisha, Zachary, and Mariah and numerous nieces and nephews and very special friends.
Memorial donations can be made to South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420.