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Mr. Willis Matthew Ray, 89, passed away on Sat., July 6, 2019, in Century, Fla.

Mr. Ray was a native of Sontag, Miss., former resident of Mobile and had resided in Canoe for the past 64 years.

He retired from Monsanto Corp with 39 years of service, a veteran of the Korean War conflict with the U.S. Army and a member of the Canoe Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Jessie Lee Ray; brothers, Arthur Lee Ray, Johnnie Frank Ray, Marvin Kenneth Ray, Milton Ray and Sam Leonard Ray; and sister, Lettie Jane Childress.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Voncile M. Ray of Canoe; two daughters, Carolyn (Mike) Helms of Robinsonville and Beverly (Don) Ellis of Atmore; one sister, Mary Conway of Atmore; six grandchildren, Matt (Gayle) Helms, Joey Helms, Tammy Lollar, Kavin Dykes, Bradley (Emily) Dykes and Jennifer Dykes; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow, Thurs., July 11, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Bro. Kavin Dykes and Carolyn Helms officiating.

Burial will follow at the Canoe Free Will Baptist Cemetery.

Visitation will be held today, Wed., July 10, 2019, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Matt Helms, Joey Helms, Sebastian Helms, Wayne Mayo, James Conway and Tammy Lollar.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leroy Harrison, Gary Bailey, Keith Bailey and Doug Bailey.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore is in charge of all arrangements.