Obituary of Harley B. Ray
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Age 80, of Mt Morris, died Sunday, January 3, 2021, at McLaren Flint. A funeral service will be held 12:00 pm, Friday, January 8, 2021, at North Flushing Baptist Church, 7500 W. Mt. Morris Rd. Flushing, with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Bobby Price to officiate. The family will be present to receive friends from 11:00 am to the time of the funeral service at 12:00 pm. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the North Flushing Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Bud’s online tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Bud was born in Gleason, Tennessee, on January 15, 1940, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Annie Belle (Brummitt) Ray. Raised in Gleason, he was educated locally. Bud and his family moved to Flint, Michigan, where he continued his education. In 1961, Bud went to work for General Motors. He met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life Linda Dumond on April 14, 1979, in Mt. Morris. Bud was a true entertainer and played professional guitar for more than 50 years. He played in many country bands, including Lucky 11, Forrest Green, and the Rangers; he also traveled with the Grand Ole Opry and played with many other bands over the years. Bud was inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003. Bud worked as a press operator before becoming a coordinator at Fisher Body Ternstedt for 31 years before retiring. He was a kind, tenderhearted, loving, loyal, and faithful man, who served the Lord, loved and adored his wife, Linda, and their dog, Jazzy. Bud loved his family and friends and was a true patriot who loved his country. He was a member of the UAW Local #326. Bud was always cracking jokes and laughing at himself. He was always asking for or praying for the needs of others. Bud loved to garden and share the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors. If anyone ever needed someone to talk to, Bud was only a phone call away. He was a good father who loved his children and cherished the moments spent with them. Bud was a good friend, who enjoyed fellowship, and in the Baptist world, that means along with a meal! When not busy with family and friends, Bud enjoyed fishing and hunting. Bud was an active member of the North Flushing Baptist Church for many years, volunteering in many capacities.
Bud leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 41 years, Linda; five children: Sheila Arnett, Wayne and wife, Jodi Ray, Charles and wife, Shawn Ray, Danita and husband, Jay Peterson and Kera Ray; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, John and Annie Ray, and his grandson, Russell H. Barkman, IV.