Paul Douglas Ray's Obituary
Paul Douglas Ray passed from this life into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 19, 2024, at the age of 79. Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and had countless friends, many of whom he lovingly called his brothers and sisters.
Paul was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in nearby Warrior, Alabama. He spent his early years working hard on the family farm, which instilled in him a love of the outdoors that would follow him throughout his lifetime, and the value of tirelessly working with his hands.
Paul lived to serve others, and exemplified the love of Jesus Christ, whom he accepted as his Lord and Savior at the age of 11. Ever a faithful servant, Paul never wanted the focus to be on himself, but rather on the love of God extended through him.
At the age of 23, Paul earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies at William Carey University. He went on to pastor two churches in south Mississippi, was deeply involved in church plants, and served as a church leader for most of his life.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Sizemore and his grandparents, John Chester Creel and Janie Walker Creel, who played an integral role in raising him with Christian values. He is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 58 years, Mary Margaret Ray, daughters Risa Lanette Robinson and Jennifer Ray Carolluzzi, their spouses Charles Robinson and Gary Carolluzzi, grandchildren Alex Paul VanDenbergh, Rachel VanDenbergh, Andrew Robinson, and Ethan Robinson.
A Funeral Service for Paul will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024 inside the Sanctuary at Crosspoint Christian Church, 204 SW 11th Place, Cape Coral, Florida 33991, (239) 574-1422. All are welcome to attend this Celebration of His Life. He will thereafter be laid to rest during a private service held at an undisclosed date and time at the Mausoleum located inside the Garden of Serenity at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907, (239) 936-0555.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints of Florida Homeschool PE by clicking on the donation link at: www.saintsofflorida.com .
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time, please visit Paul's memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign his guestbook.
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