Manual Ray

Manual Ray, 90, of Carey, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 1, 2026, at 2:17 p.m. at Birchaven Village in Findlay.
He was born on July 11, 1935, in Salyerville, Ky., to the late Linden and Gracie (Craft) Ray. Manual was a member of the Stoney Ridge Baptist Church, rural Carey, where he attended church with his parents and siblings. More recently, he became a member of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey. Manual learned the value of hard work and would tell you that he was a jack of all trades and master of none. Manual worked for Cheney Chevrolet as an auto mechanic in Carey and Upper Sandusky grain elevators drying the fall harvest and farming the family farm on the ridge outside of Vanlue. Farming was by far his favorite. He also went into business and opened “Ray’s Repair” auto garage. He was a landlord to many tenants through the years. While cruising in his beautiful 1953 red Ford, he met his forever wife Bonita sitting on the front steps of her, eventually their, home in Carey at 217. Manual and Bonnie were united in marriage on June 2, 1956, and celebrated 65 years together. Their favorite pastimes were fishing and camping in “the bus” that Manual had converted into a family camper.
Manual was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie on Oct. 27, 2014. He was also preceded in death by 12 older siblings who spoiled him rotten.
From his union with Bonnie six children were born with Nancy being born on and sharing for many years her dad’s birthday. He is survived by his children, Carol Bloom, Carey; Anthony (BethAnn) Ray, Carey; Karen (Dennis) Marugg, Carey; Nancy (Craig) Bowman, Wharton; Thomas (Erin) Ray, Mansfield; and James (companion Dee) Ray, Findlay. He was also blessed with 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Manual was enjoyed by Birchaven Village staff while a resident the past two years. Manual’s motto in life was where there is a will there is a way. Where there is no will there is no way. It was lived out by him and will be lived out by his family.
Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday, July 6, at Beach Funeral Home, Carey. The rosary will be said at 8 p.m. A mass for Christian burial will be held Tuesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. at the original Shrine Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey. The Rev. Thomas Merrill, OFM Conv., will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Carey.
In memory of Manual and his love of helping others, donations may be made to the Carey Food Pantry.