Obituary of Jerry Leonard Ray

Jerry Leonard Ray, 72, a lifelong resident of Pensacola, died on September 18, 2017, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born August 2, 1945, in Pensacola, Florida to his late parents, Leonard and Edna Ray. Jerry had one sister, Patricia Baker, who predeceased him. Jerry graduated from Pensacola High School, attended Pensacola Junior College until entering the Army Reserve, serving six years and obtaining his E-5 rank. Jerry and Estelle “Cookie” Ray were married and established their home on November 2, 1974. He took great pride in his four children: Nancy (Michael) Weirup; Richard (Rhonda) Queen; Joseph (Angela Urban) Queen and Melonie (Richard Garlock) Welborn. Progeny from his four children gave him eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jerry was a life-long blood donor with a rare type of blood and belonged to the Twenty (20) Gallon Donors Club. His willingness to help others carried over to often being called upon to fix or repair things from a broken statue to a car. There wasn’t anything Jerry couldn’t figure out how to fix. Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:00am on Friday, September 22, 2017 with service at 11:00am at Pine Forest Methodist Church, 2800 Wilde Lake Boulevard. Immediately following the service, everyone is invited for refreshments provided by the church in the fellowship hall. Cookie wishes to express her sincere thanks to her family, friends and church family for all the love and support given to her during this sad time. Final arrangements will be handled by Family-Funeral and Cremation, 7253 Plantation Road, Pensacola, Florida. 850-466-5440. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to be made in Jerry Leonard Ray’s name to Covenant Care at https://choosecovenant.org/donate/ or 1-855-CARE365.