Harold "Spunky" Ray

Spunky Ray, age 75, of Long Beach passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 22, in Gulfport. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Vera Ray; a sister, Bobbie Barnett; three brothers, Dan Ray, Jr, Wayne Ray, and Floyd Ray; and life-long friend, Robert Reed. 

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Liz Ray; his children, a daughter, Audra (Richard) Smith, and a son Jaimie (Mary Allison) Ray; his stepson, Will Silber; his grandchildren, Jackson Roberts and Trista and Ava Ray; and the mother of Audra and Jaimie, Judy Long. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. 

Spunky loved spending time with his family enjoying time spent outdoors, eating crawfish, and cruising in the Pontiac with both his son, Jaimie, and Robert Reed.  He had a true love for life and the City of Long Beach.  Many may have seen him in his shorts and flip flops riding his bicycle around the streets of Long Beach on a regular basis.

Spunky was a hard worker his entire life, a trait that was inherited by his son, Jaimie.  Spunky laid brick from the age of 19 and continued past his 75^th birthday.  His beautiful work can be seen all over the Coast, including St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Spunky was also extremely proud of his daughter, Audra, and was able to share in her recent acceptance of her dream job with Johnson & Johnson. 

Spunky loved the NFL. For 20+ years, Spunky, Robert, and Liz wagered $5 for each nationally televised game.  The statistics were kept in coveted, spiral bound notebooks to document their competition and earnings.

He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him more than words can ever express. His joy of life will shine on forever through his family loving children, Audra and Jaimie.  Much can be learned by his simple approach to life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Long Beach.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass. 

A procession following immediately after the mass for a celebration of Spunky’s life will be held at 201 Fernwood Drive in Pass Christian (Timber Ridge subdivision).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the https://www.hssm.org/donate, 2615 25^th Avenue, Gulfport, MS, 39501, 228.863.3354. 

It is a long-known fact that Spunky wore shorts and flip flops everywhere he went, regardless of the weather or event.  Feel free to wear shorts and/or flip flops and be comfortable as Spunky would have!

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com