ASHLAND - Robert Raymond "Ray" Roberts, 86, of Ashland, Ky., died Saturday, April 24, 2010, in Community Hospice Care Center. He was born May 20, 1923, in Ashland, Ky. to the late Robert Jackson and Sadie Smallridge Roberts. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jeanne Smith Roberts.
He was retired from Armco Steel Corporation as Crew Leader, Welding Shop Maintenance Department with 39 years of service. In 1943 he attended Naval Aviation Tech. Upon completion he attained the rating of Petty Officer and was a WWII Veteran. He served in the Pacific Theater at a Naval Base in Kodiak, Alaska as an Aviation Metalsmith. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, was a Navy Reservist and also was awarded a Naval Reserve Medal.
He was a 1941 graduate of Ashland High School, a faithful member and former board member of Christ Temple Church, a member of American Legion, a member of PBY International Association (Navy) Aleutian Airdales and was a member of Willowaw Association -U.S. Navy.
He served as a church lay leader and district lay leader, was Committee Chairman Kentucky State United Methodist Men, was a certified lay speaker and served pulpits in Boyd and Greenup counties and was commissioned a Ky. Colonel by Governors Louie Nunn and Paul Patton. He was also formerly a scout, Scout Leader and Sea Scout Leader, a KDMC volunteer and a Bible Study teacher at Kingsbrook.
His artistic talent was used quite often by all organizations of the church and his artwork on the church windows continues to be displayed at the church. His work on the Young Peoples Organization Banners won an award each year at the Kentucky and Tennessee Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He was very active in outreach tract ministry.
He is survived by two daughters, Vicki Lynn McGuire (Lenny) and Cheryl Kay Bradley (Calvin), both of Ashland; grandchildren, Tracy Hayner-Vanover, Kimberly Hayner-Dearing, Jason Matthew McGuire, Lisa Anne Bradley and John Paul Bradley; great-grandchildren, Brayden Suman, Chloe Dearing, Alexander Dearing, Hayden McGuire, Ellie McGuire, Lucas Branham, Emily Bradley and Olivia Grace Bradley; A special niece Dee Orchard; Great niece Kathy Cameron and Great nephew Chris Cameron; and granddogs, Brinkley, Madison, Spencer, Riley, Piper and Molly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Masters and Geraldine Houlahan;
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at Steen Funeral Home - Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland by Suffragan Bishop Elzy Thomas. Burial will be in Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2010, at the funeral home chapel.
Contributions may be made to Community Hospice, 1538 Central Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.
