Gary Allen Ray, age 72, died peacefully in the early morning hours on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Kansas City Hospice House in Missouri.

He was born July 8, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Bill and Ruth (Mayes) Ray. He was a 1971 graduate of Grandview High School, Grandview, Missouri. Gary was one of four children who grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He met his future wife, Cheryl Booth, on a hayride sponsored by the Baptist Student Union in college. It was a true case of the country girl and the city boy falling in love. On June 7, 1975, he married Cheryl, who worked as a speech and language pathologist in the public-school setting for many years. Gary graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1976 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, with a major in photography and a minor in ceramics. Gary taught graphic arts at Hillyard Technical School in St. Joseph, Missouri, for 17 years. He also freelanced as a professional photographer, shooting wedding, product, and commercial photography. Gary and his wife also owned the Savannah Reporter newspaper in Andrew County, Missouri, for a period of time. On May 3, 1983, and February 27, 1989, respectively, Gary and Cheryl welcomed their two daughters, Carly and Megan.

Gary was a loving father and husband and a devout Christian. He was very active in church, attending with his family regularly, as well as playing bass guitar in the worship band for 19 years. He enjoyed being with his family and friends, traveling, and listening to a broad variety of music.  In his youth, he achieved the elite rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.  He loved photography and could be seen with a camera in hand more often than not.  He was also a multitalented artist, creating pottery, jewelry, drawings, and paintings, as well as playing bass guitar, piano, and French horn. He had a unique, dry sense of humor and relished any opportunity to share some wit.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his daughters, Carly (Josh) Szippl and Megan Ray-Snapp; four grandchildren: Clementine, Briar, Elijah, and Flint, and his siblings, Karen (Ray) Miller, David Ray, and Annette (Ray) Arbogast. He is predeceased by his wife, Cheryl, and parents, Bill and Ruth Ray.

A visitation is scheduled from 11:00 am -1:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Living Hope Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Rev. Bob Springate will officiate. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at Living Hope Church, 19410 US-59, St. Joseph, MO 64505.