Jeffery A. Ray, 44, of 324 South Wayne Street, St.Marys, OH, died 2:15 A.M. Friday, November 2, 2007, at OSU Hospital in Columbus, OH.

He was born May 9, 1963, in St.Marys, OH, to Neal Ray, Sr. and Phyllis (Steinke) Ward. His father survives in New Knoxville. His mother, Phyllis (Hasroe) Ward survives in Wapakoneta.

He is survived by:

¨ Daughter, Ashley M. Ray, at home

¨ Son, Jacob A. Ray, at home

¨ The children’s mother, Donna

¨ Brother, Michael (Fran) Ray of Tarpon Springs, FL

¨ Brother, Dennis (Lynne) Ray of Celina, OH

¨ Brother, Bill Ray of Wapakoneta, OH

¨ Brother,  James (DeeDee) Ray of St.Marys, OH

¨ Brother, Neal (Jessica) Ray, Jr. of St.Marys, OH

¨ 4 nephews and 2 nieces

¨  

Jeff was a 1981 graduate of New Knoxville High School. In 1984 he founded Ray’s Recycling in Saint Marys, which specializes in providing commercial recycling assistance to clients throughout the United States.

He was the owner of Grand Carriage II in Saint Marys.

He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Burkettsville.

He was a devoted family man, and his variety of interests included history, innovative technology, and preserving the environment. He especially enjoyed construction and remodeling as a hobby, and also had a keen interest in the preservation and restoration of antique automobiles.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 6,2007 at Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Rd., St.Marys, OH, Father Tony Fortman officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Wendelin Cemetery, Mercer County.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Miller Funeral Home, where memorial donations may be directed to the Auglaize County Unit of the American Cancer Association.