Rusty Ray

Rusty Ray, age 47 of Ocala, Florida and formerly of Lewisburg, Ohio passed away Friday, February 22, 2019 in Ft. Myers, FL.  Born on December 12, 1971 in Tampa, Florida, he was the son of Donald “Don” & Deanna (McGhee) Ray.   

Rusty attended National Trail High School in New Paris, Ohio, graduating in 1990 and continued his education at Northwood University in West Palm Beach, FL and Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where he studied Business.  Early in his career he was a local entrepreneur, owning and managing many concepts beginning with Big Ruthie’s Pizza in Lewisburg and ending with many local Sunocos, Subways, and carwashes.  He then joined the Pilot Flying J family where he enjoyed a career in operations and management for 18 years.

Rusty was a devoted family man who touched the hearts of many.  He is survived by his wife, Sheila Ray; their three children, Donald, Morgan and Ridge Ray; mother Deanna Ray, mother-in-law Karen Hall; sister Dawn Baldasare; nephew Michael Samartini; and nieces Kristen Samartini, Olivia Baldasare, and Alaina Baldasare.  The list he leaves behind of friends he considered to be family is endless.

Rusty is preceded in death by his Father, Donald “Don” Ray in 1992 and Brother-in-law, Darren Baldasare in 2016.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Private Interment held in Roselawn Cemetery in Lewisburg, OH.  A Celebration of Life will follow services for all friends and family to gather and remember Rusty in Tampa, FL on Thursday, March 14th, 2019 from noon to 4:00 pm, with a time of reflection from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.  Location is at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport - Avion Park Westshore, 5329 Avion Park Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.  A shuttle will be provided. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank or mailed to Wells Fargo, 3201 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 noting the Benefit Memorial Fund for Rusty Ray.  Condolences via www.barnesfuneralhome.com