Robert Boutwell Ray, known to all as “Tad,” passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024, in his home in Anacortes, WA, at 71 years old. He moved to Anacortes in September of 2022, and although he lived there at the time of his death, he was born and raised in Mississippi.
Tad was born in McComb, MS, on December 27, 1952, the son of Bobby and Billie Ray. He grew up in McComb and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his sister and three brothers. Tad was given the nickname “Tadpole” by his Pop (grandfather) when he was young, and the name stuck. He spent time with his pop in the family-owned bakery, as well as with his other grandfather, who was an engineer on the railroad and, as a result, was a lover of trains and sweet treats. He was a proud Marine, enlisting in the Marines in 1970, and served for eight years until his honorable discharge in 1978. He met Nancy Williams in February 1979, and they married shortly after, on August 4, 1979. They were married for 44 years and together raised two daughters in Shubuta, MS. Tad served as a deacon at Shubuta Baptist Church and loved his church family dearly. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding Harleys, and Saints football (he REALLY enjoyed Saints football!).
Tad is survived by his wife, Nancy Williams Ray; their children and spouses, Nicole Ray Nelson (John) and Robin Ray Berg (Gustav); grandchildren, Murphy and Emerson Nelson and Louise and Millie Berg; his sister, Deniese Carter (Joe); and his two brothers, Michael Ray (Izabel) and Bruce Ray. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Ray and Billie Ray, and his brother, John Ray.
Tad was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and he will be missed more than words can express.
A viewing will be held at Shubuta Baptist Church on February 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. A funeral service will be held at Shubuta Baptist Church on February 10 at 11 a.m. with Brother Mike Street officiating, followed by a graveside service with Marine Corp Military Honors at 12:30 p.m. at Shubuta Cemetery. Please join us back at Shubuta Baptist Church at 1 p.m. for a reception with fellowship and refreshments.
Pallbearers will be Gustav Berg, John Nelson, Mike Ray, John Reeks, Ronnie Waller, and David Williams.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Palmer Nicklaus Foundation at palmernicklausfoundation.org.
Submitted by Evans Funeral Chapel
