Charles Joseph Ray

Charles Joseph Ray, 87, of Biloxi, MS died on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Mr. Ray was born in Blackstone, MA on March 20, 1924. He enlisted in the US Marines on July 20, 1941 and served 8 years. Mr. Ray worked at Voi Shan/Fairchild, Rhondo Beach, CA for 29 years. He was the son of the late, Lawrence and Mary Ray. He was a life member of several organizations including, VFW 2323, Post Commander, Granada Hills, CA, Naval Elks 353, Port Angeles, WA, American Legion 368, Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, CA, Past Chairman of Los Angeles County POW-MIA, Vietnam Veterans of America, James Michael Ray, Post 818, Lincoln, RI, Forget-Me-Nots, New Milford, CT, POW Network, Branson, MO, Release Foundation, New York, NY, American Ex-POW of America, Heart of Illinois and a member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, F Troop. Mr. Ray is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary P. Ray; step-daughter, Cathi Ray. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean J. Piatek Ray; sons, James Michael Ray, POW, Vietnam/Cambodia, captured March 18, 1968 still not yet accounted for, Dennis (Denice) Ray of North Smithfield, RI, Charles (Lynn) Ray, Jr of Woonsocket, RI; daughter, Maureen (Raymond) Vien of Port Charles, FL; step-daughter, Janice Brown of Williamsburg, VA,; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Rev. Phil Salois, National Chaplain of the Vietnam Veterans of America, LaSallette Shrine, MA, Rev. Thomas Pazheparambil of Scared Heart Cathoic Church. Special Angles, RN Barbar Dix, Nursing Center, Dr. Motakhaveri, Sheila Pate, D'Iberville VFW Post 6731, RN Justin, BRMC, and all of the 5th Floor nursing staff. Memorial services will be on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Biloxi. Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service time.