Buford June Ray Jr.

Buford "June" Ray Jr., 71, a lifelong resident of Dover, Ohio died Monday, January 16, 2012 in Union Hospital at Dover following a brief illness.

June retired in October, 2008 as an employee of Howden Buffalo (Joy Mfg.) Company in New Philadelphia. He had previously been employed at the former Robinson Clay Products in Dover and was a barber by trade. Following his retirement, he was the caretaker of the First Baptist Church in Dover.

Born August 7, 1940 in Dover, he was the son of the late Buford and Beatrice (Huffman) Ray Sr.

June was an active member of the First Baptist Church at Dover where he served his church as a trustee, treasurer, and usher in addition to being the caretaker. He was also a member of the Dover Moose and Eagles lodges, Army Navy Club, and a social member of the Dover VFW. He was a 1959 graduate of Dover High School and attended Kent State University. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his wife Eileen (Anderson) Ray with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this July 28; two daughters Denise Ray Garner of Cary, North Carolina and Colette Ray of Atlanta, Georgia; two grandchildren Mystic Garner of Greensboro, NC and Taylor Pitts of Atlanta, Ga., one great grandson, Juleein Russell; three sisters, Darlene Byrom , Catherine (Eugene) Kelker, and Diana Lynn Jones all of Dover; two brothers, Richard Rex Ray of New Albany, Ohio and Alfonso Ray of Massillon, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, June was preceded in death by a sister Evelyn Welcher and four brothers, Charles, Philip, Napoleon, and Clabe Ray.

A Homegoing Service celebrating Buford's life will be held Friday, January 20, 2012 at 1pm in the First Baptist Church in Dover with Rev. Christopher Lowery officiating . A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Thursday from 5-8pm and Friday at the church from noon until 1pm. Cremation will follow the service. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of June may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Buford Ray Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o First Federal Community Bank, 902 Boulevard, Dover, Ohio 44622

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