J.W. Ray Sr.

J.W. Ray, age 80, passed away September 2, 2024, in Rupert, Idaho.

J.W. was born in Corning, Arkansas to Lloyd and Eunice Ray. At the time of his death, he was living with his son, J.W. Ray Jr., in Rupert but had resided in Heyburn for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his daughter, Diane Ray.  

J.W. is survived by his sons, J.W. Ray Jr. and Bill Ray, a foster daughter, Esther Koepnick and 15 grandchildren along with 24 great grandchildren.

The U.S. Army, Medical Corp. had J.W. from 1963 - 1967 where he spent time in various places in Southeast Asia. 

After the military, J.W. became a licensed mortician in the state of Louisiana and maintained that license until 2016. 

J.W. moved his young family to Idaho in 1973 where he found his true calling as a truck driver. He enjoyed driving for Hensley Trucking, Grover Trucking and found another family at Idaho Milk Transport where he was employed for 35+ years. 

J.W. loved traveling. He traveled to Europe, the U.K., Southeast Asia revisiting his military years and spent a month in Australia. He loved it all, but nothing outshone his love for fishing in Alaska.

Grave side services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday September 10 ,2024 at the Pleasant View Cemetery. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Hansen Mortuary. Services are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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