Paul E. Ray

PAUL E. RAY, age 73 of New Paris, OH died Monday, September 10, 2012 at his residence. Born on December 11, 1938 in New Paris, OH he was the son of the late Harley Ottis & Kathryn Anna (Nelson) Ray. Paul was a 1956 graduate of Jefferson Township High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 attending the Naval Academy of Music playing for the 3rd Army Band in Atlanta, GA. He worked at Artyle Manufacturing of Eaton; Hayes Track Appliances of Richmond; Salesman and manager and part owner in 1967 of the Kyle Elevator. He retired in 2000 as Owner & Operator of Beckett Grain Elevator in New Paris.
Paul served in many community organizations in Preble County that included: Preble County Commissioner from 1975 to 1982 and 1987 to 1994 serving as the President during 1976 and 1978; American Legion Post 360; Board member of the Northwest Fire & Ambulance District; Preble County Historical Society; American Red Cross; Preble County Heart Association; Past Master of Masonic Lodge #106 New Paris; Antioch Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton; Played Trumpet in the Count IV Band; Past President of Eaton Rotary Club; Preble County Pork Festival Committee's First Treasurer, Festival Chairman 1974 & Coordinator from 1995 to 2010; Preble County Pig Roast Committee; Charter Member and Past President of the New Paris Chamber of Commerce that started in 1968; Cedar Springs Medical Development Corporation that brought Dr. Ahn to New Paris, OH in 1979; St. Clair Foundation in Eaton, OH; active in the Preble County Republican Party; Member of Central United Methodist Church in Richmond, IN.
Preceded in death by brothers: James Michael Ray in 1982; Robert N. Ray in 1998 and step son: Jeffrey Todd Kyle in 2010.
Survived by wife of 45 years: Linda A. (Beckett) Ray; daughter: Andrea Lee of Eaton, OH; stepson: Brian (Lisa) Kyle of New Paris, OH; sister: Helen E. Rowe of Eaton, OH; 5 grandchildren: Staci (Paul) Davis of Eaton, OH; Samantha Kyle of West Manchester, OH; Kayla Kyle of Richmond, IN; Miranda Lee of Eaton, OH and Damon Clark of Richmond, IN; 3 great grandchildren: Tanner Davis, Allison Davis and Makenzie Stinson. Several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Friday, September 14, 2012 at Barnes Funeral Home – 109 West Main Street – New Paris, OH with Rev. Kerry O'Brien officiating. Interment will be in Springlawn Cemetery in New Paris, OH with full military honors provided by the Preble County Honor Guard.
Family will receive friends on Thursday September 13th 2012 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Masonic services will be 7:00 PM Thursday evening.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Fire & EMS 135 North Washington Street New Paris, OH 45347 or to the Masonic Lodge #106 North Washington Street New Paris, OH 45347. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.barnesfuneralhome.com