Byron Ward Ray, age 73, of Alma passed away at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick after a short illness. He was son of the late Rev. Benny Ward Ray and Fannie Eugenia Moore Ray.  Mr. Byron was owner of Jones- Ray Insurance Agency for over 30 years, served in the National Guard and was a member of the Alma United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Dorothy "Dottie" Heavner Ray of Alma, three children Jenny Moorman (Whit) of Lexington, SC., Cindy Gibson of Douglas, GA. and Benjamin Ray (Drew) of Athens, GA., eight grandchildren Caroline Whitaker (Austin), Sam Boatright, Lee and Laurel Moorman, Alex, Andrew, Amelia and Abe Gibson and two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Evie Whitaker.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 25 ^th at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home with Rev. Buddy Whatley, Rev. Allen Hartsfield and Rev. T. F. Yawn officiating. The family will be receiving friends Friday morning at 10:00 AM until funeral time. Interment will follow in Pine Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bacon County High School Golf Team.

Active pallbearers will be; Sam Boatright, Alex and Andrew Gibson, Lee Moorman, Henry Moore and Buddy Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be; Harry & Ann Johnson, Jan Futch, Class of 1964, Claude & Hattie Mae Fuller, Susie & Buzzy Queen, Men's Golf Association, Danny & Carolyn Varnadore, Johnny & Wanda Wheeler, Joy Friendship Sunday School Class.