Bobby Ray

Bobby Earl Ray, 83, of Merigold went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11: a.m. Friday, February 4, 2022, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be North Cleveland Cemetery.

Bobby was born February 8, 1938, to Melvin & Maybell Ray in Merigold, MS. He was married to Wanda (Hays) Ray for 64 years. He was a member of Morrison Chapel Baptist Church. Bobby retired from Baxter's after 38 years. In his younger years you could find him piddling in his shop, working on cars and lawnmowers, or cheering on his grandkids at any sporting event-he was their biggest fan! He never met a stranger and always had a joke. Papaw was known for 'bugs' on your hands, 'tommie walkie' and 'Donald Duck quack'. He was always a quick phone call away!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin & Maybell Ray; brother, Boyd Ray; and sister, Aliece Bowlin.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Ray of Merigold, MS; daughters, Mitzi Gipson (Clinton) of Purvis, MS and Kim Pongetti (Gary) of Merigold, MS; granddaughters, Wendi Johnson (Chris) of Hattiesburg, MS, Stephanie Lawler (Kyle) of Purvis, MS, and Teresa Pentecost (Eric) of Cleveland, MS; grandson, Allen Pongetti (Jennifer) of Cleveland, MS; great grandchildren, Dawson Lawler, Brennan Johnson, Kyleigh Lawler, Emma Kathryn Johnson, Tenhet Pongetti, Layla Ruth Pongetti, and Annie James Pentecost; brother, Michael Ray (Jimmie) of Merigold, MS; along with a host of nieces & nephews.

Pallbearers will be Clinton Gipson, Gary Pongetti, Chris Johnson, Kyle Lawler, Allen Pongetti, Eric Pentecost, Brennan Johnson, Dawson Lawler and Tenhet Pongetti.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Morrison Chapel Baptist Church, 116 Morrison Chapel Rd, Cleveland, MS 38732.