Steven Robert Ray Sr.

Steve Ray, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and lover of life’s simple pleasures, passed away on January 10, 2026. His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lou, and children Rob (Renee), Kelly (David), and Lauren (Chris) Life was good, but got even better with the births of his 5 grandchildren, Haylee, Braden, Madie, Maisyn, Marlee, and step-granddaughter Adrianna and great grandson, Kashton. One of his proudest moments was teaching each one to fish. Having been taught by his grandfather at age 7, Steve became “hooked for life”. He loved every kind of fishing, and would never miss an opportunity to go trout fishing in the North Georgia mountains with his lifelong friend, Eddie. Steve taught himself to fly fish and learned to tie his own flies. In the last years of his life, he got great satisfaction from buying old reels from the 50’s and 60’s, restoring them, and bringing them back to life. Steve was a standout athlete at Headland High School, playing football, basketball and track. He was awarded a full football scholarship to Virginia Military Institute. After 2 years, he transferred to Georgia State University to complete his business/accounting degree. He got his CPA license in 1976. He became CFO of Artcraft Engraving Company and eventual partner with Gene Jones. Later, he was hired by Evander Holyfield, spending seven of the best years of his working life with the championship boxer. His final career move was to Integral Municipal Services in Hapeville, Ga. He gradually reduced his hours to 1 day per week, with his last day being January 8, 2026. Steve always felt love and appreciation from the Lee family, and considered it an honor to finish his career with them. Steve was a simple man who enjoyed watching and feeding his birds. He bought live meal worms for the blue birds and feed socks for the finches. He was proud to be an American. He had a special place in his heart for veterans. He loved the Braves through thick and thin. He loved restoring muscle cars with his son, Rob. He loved getting up early with Kelly to drink coffee and have his devotion time. He loved spending time with Lauren, especially when she was pulling a prank on Kelly or Rob. Steve loved the Indiana Hoosiers, and spent the last night of his life watching them win the Peach Bowl and sharing his excitement with Rob, Braden, David, and Eddie. And, lastly, but most importantly, Steve loved Jesus. He asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior when he was 12 years old. His parents, Bob and Joan, instilled strong values in their children, leading by example what a Christian walk looks like. His beloved siblings, Carol and Mike Doman, Mike and Debbie Ray, and Chris and Rick Day all shared a loving relationship with each other and with the Lord. Steve was blessed to have a final zoom call with them a few days before his passing. We lift up the life of Steven Robert Ray, Sr. In lieu of flowers, Steve would be most honored to have any donations sent to Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church specifically for Harp’s Christian Academy or the Building Fund. He also was a long time supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project. A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 31, 2026, at Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church 1183 Ga. Hwy 92, Fayetteville, Ga. The family will receive friends from 3-4pm with the service at 4pm.

Steven Robert Ray Sr.

February 3, 1951 - January 10, 2026