William Harold Ray

William Harold Ray, 77 of Ruckersville, VA died on Monday, May 11, 2015 after a brave battle with interstitial lung disease. Bill was born May 8, 1938, in Auto, West Virginia to the late Frank and Ruth Ray.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty, of 41 years. They enjoyed traveling, classical music, theater, good movies, the DVD GREAT COURSES, and being active members at Church of our Saviour Episcopal in Charlottesville. They always celebrated their anniversary in Ogunquit Maine. Bill was an avid follower of the stock market and enjoyed working on jig-saw puzzles, reading investment books, listening to classical music, playing bridge, and exercising that required his monitoring the oxygen needs. His unparalleled knowledge of many subjects was a source of amazement to everyone who knew him. His integrity, dry wit, easy-going demeanor, and perpetual smile was without compare. He believed in a person's word and handshake.
Survivors also include his daughters, Terry Umlah, Tanya Ray, Traci Ray; grandson, Andy Crawford; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Freda Ray; brother-in-law, Dr. James Litton; step-daughter, Tammy Wiernasz; grandsons, Connor and Brennan; stepson, Sean McAllister; and grandsons, Zachary and Dillon. He was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Jerry Ray.
Bill earned a Master's Degree in Finance and Business Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. As a mechanical engineer, he worked in manufacturing as Quality Control Director for many companies. In 1996 he became owner of his own company, Isocal Laboratories, in South Windsor, CT until 2012 at which time he and his wife, Betty, retired in Ruckersville, Virginia at Four Seasons Active Adult Community. He was a member of the American Association of Quality Engineers, as well as MENSA, and his company was awarded the Blue Chip Enterprise Award.
A celebration of Bill's life, interment, and reception will be on July 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Our Saviour Episcopal, 1165 Rio Road, E. Charlottesville, VA 22901.
The family thanks Dr. Borna Mehrad and his staff, the nursing staff at the University of Virginia, as well as Dr. Maureen Horton and her staff at Johns Hopkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of Our Saviour Episcopal, 1165 East Rio Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901. Donations may also be made to The University of Virginia, Pulmonary Division, for research on interstitial lung disease.
An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com
Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements