Obituary of Jessie Lee Ray

Jesse Lee Ray, Jr, passed away peacefully at Ascension Borgess Hospital with his wife Joy by his side. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, after a lengthy illness. Jesse was born in St. Louis Missouri to Jesse Lee Ray Sr and Willie Mae Robinson on January 27, 1939. He later moved to Kalamazoo, MI where he worked as a Cement Mason several years until he retired. In 1975 he met the love of his life Joy (Lorrian) Brown who became his wife on September 24, 1977. In this union, he became the father of 5 wonderful children Valesa, Trace, Lavonnia (Dee, Dee), Leslie and William (Billy). Jesse was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He loved spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed playing the saxophone, listen to music and wash and wax his car. He is survived by his wife Joy Ray of 43 years, his children Valesa, Trace, Leslie (Jermaine), and Billy. His brothers, Eddie Lee Ray, William Ray, sister Roberta Ray, sister-in-law Alice Moore (Russel), brother-in-laws Barry Brown (Gloria), and Tony Gilbert and several nieces, nephews, grand, and great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, daughter Lavonnia, mother-in-law, Alice Gilbert, 1 sister Ora Lee Ray, 2 sister-in-laws Valla, Demarra, 1 brother-in-law Charles (Tank). We would like to leave you with our dad’s favorite saying my name is “Jesse Lee Ray Jr. Esquire, boops upside your head all the way live! Dad, you will truly be missed we love you!