Joseph Dean Ray, III
February 24, 1935 - March 23, 2024
Joseph Dean Ray, III – Funeral services will be held in the Bakersfield National Cemetery at 1:15 April 15, 2024. Douglass White of Desert Community Church will officiate. Joseph, fondly known as Grandpa Joe, was born February 24, 1935 in Depew, Oklahoma where he was raised by his paternal grandparents. He passed March 23, 2024, at Tehachapi Adventist Hospital. In 1945 he moved to Coalinga, CA to join his father, stepmother, and their three children, Charles, Douglas, and Linda Ray. He graduated from Coaling High in 1954. Joe then took classes at the local Junior College before joining the United States Air Force where he developed his life talent as an Electronic Technician. This occupation took him on his life’s journey with the National Aeronautic Space Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. He retired in May 1993.
Joseph discovered his real calling in life was to encourage children. He spent 50 plus years volunteering at Monte Vista Little League and tutoring math at numerous elementary schools in Lancaster, CA. His last day tutoring was December 15, 2023 at West Wind Elementary School.
Survivors include Widow Frances C. of Rosamond, CA, Siblings: Douglas Ray of Bakersfield, CA; Charles Ray of Claremore, Ok; and Linda Ray of San Diego, CA.; Sons: Joseph D Ray, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV, and his children: Joshua Ray and children: Lacy, James, and Devon Ray; Tyler Ray of Salt Lake,; UT and his child, Taylor Ray; and Shannon and Christian Del Barrio of Las Vegas NV, and their children Charlotte and Aurora; John G and Martha Ray of Lancaster, CA and their children: Savannah Ray and Anthony Najera, their child Oliver; Breanna and Matthew Martinez and their daughter, Skye; Priscilla and Esto Sanchez; Malaya, Leilana, and Kaia Ray. Stepchildren: Anthony Drake of Spokane, WA; Denise, Daniel Wilkins of Rosamond, CA; Margarett and Michael Schulte and their children, Morgan, Chloe and Emma Baly, Samantha and Isaac Schulte of Kernville, CA; Aidan Gaffney of Palmdale, CA and his children Veronica and Connor; Annika K Gaffney of Seattle, WA and her daughter, Madison Harth.
In lieu of flowers gifts to local elementary schools or little leagues would be appreciated.