Johnnie Myron Ray

Johnnie Myron Ray, 90, passed away peacefully at his residence Wednesday, November 6, 2013, surrounded by his family. Mr. Ray was born June 9, 1923 in Cullman to Christopher C. Ray and Lonie Irene Oden Ray. He retired after 33 years of service from Birmingham Southern Railroad as an engineer. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive where he served as a deacon for 24 years. He was a loving husband, father and papaw who never met a stranger and was a big Alabama fan.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Talmadge Ray, E. E. Ray, Wendell Ray, Charlie Ray and sister, Jeanette Norris.  

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Bernice Pauline (Polly) Watts Ray; daughters, Kay (Keith) Stepp and Lesa (James) Harden; grandchildren, Bart (Carolyn) Roberts, Alison Johnson, Luke Harden, Dana Harden, Keith Stepp, Jr. and Cayce (Amber) Stepp, and nine great grandchildren; sister, Jean Smith, Sister-in-laws, Darlene Ray and Gladys Ray, in-laws, Jack (Helen) Watts, Glenda Bates and a host of nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive. The funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at the church with Bro. Doug Moore and Jason Rodgers officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive, Bldg. Fund, 3200 Mt. Olive Road, Mt. Olive, AL 35117.  The New Gardendale Funeral Home directing.