Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1968, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. On July 11, 1970, Ray married the love of his life, Helen L. Coats, in Wellsville, NY.
Ray was formerly employed as a route foreman for Elmhurst Dairy in Wellsville, a bar manager and assistant manager at the Cameo Restaurant in Wellsville and a lead man for Friendship Dairies.
He took great pride in his well-kept yard and enjoyed going to auctions, estate sales, garage sales, and going to McDonalds to read the paper and have coffee with his brother and good friends. He also enjoyed helping his wife with her day care business, as they watched and took care of many wonderful children in Wellsville, NY, all of whom they loved dearly.
He was a loving and devoted husband and father and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He cherished the times he spent teaching his grandchildren how to fish at local ponds and the Genesee River, holiday meals with the entire family, and taking everyone to the Wellsville Balloon Rally.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Camille L. (Jeff) Ricupito, of Corona, CA, and Brandy Orvis, of Scio, a son-in-law, Jacob Beaton of Wellsville, three grandchildren, Jennifer Beaton and Jesse Beaton, and Ryan Ricupito, one brother, Robert Orvis and two sisters, Donna Orvis and Penny (Dale) Angood all of Wellsville, along with two nieces and a great niece.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for all of the support they received from friends during the last month as Ray battled his cancer courageously. Thanks also to Jacob, Sabrena and relatives for their bedside vigils.
Friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 7, 2011 from 11:00 am to 12 noon at the Duke Hose Company, 80 Stevens Street in Wellsville. A memorial luncheon will follow visitation at 12 noon.
Memorial donations can be made to the Wellsville Little League in honor of Jesse Beaton or the Wellsville Marching Band in honor of Jennifer Beaton. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.