Christopher Ray, “Ray Ray”, 37, of Centralia passed away Friday, July 18, 2025. He was born on May 18, 1988, in Breese, the son of Gerald and Tolleyne (McCrary) Ray.
Survivors that loved Chris with all their hearts include the love of his life for 21 years, his surging wife; his sons, Michael and Tiger Ray; his mother, Tolleyne Ray; his uncle, Brad McCrary and wife April; and a host of many cousins.
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Ray; his grandparents, Martha and Avery Toll McCrary, and Darrell “Buss” and Bertha Ray; and other beloved friends.
Chris attended San Diego Golf Academy in Arizona when he was eighteen years old. He worked hard in his studies and received his associate’s degree in accounting. Chris had a love for the game of golf and was an extremely talented golfer. He was a true asset to Governor’s Run golf course in Carlyle, where he worked in the Pro Shop and gave grateful golfers lessons, improving their game exponentially. He also worked for Graphic Packaging in Centralia. Chris loved sports, music, and was a loyal friend to so many. He was unbeatable in a game of pool, bowling, and basketball, which were his passions. He was strong, talented, a force to be reckoned with, loved life, and loved with his whole heart. He took no half measures. Anything and everything he did was to the fullest of his abilities. Chris was one of the good guys who made the world a brighter place. Those who mourn his loss will hold precious memories forever in their hearts.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and are welcome to stay for the service at the funeral home in Centralia, to offer words of support and share precious memories of Chris. The burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Chris’ honor to Michael Ray for the family’s recovery from this tragic accident. Online condolences and memories of Chris may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
