Daniel Stephen 'Danny' Ray

PERRY- Daniel Stephen "Danny" Ray, Sr., 69, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2015, after a brief illness. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Perry. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin, Georgia, immediately following the service. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the Georgia Sheriff's Youth Homes, Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, P.O. Box 1000, Stockbridge, GA 30281. Danny was born in Griffin to the late William Walter Ray and Mary Burdell Anderson Ray. After high school graduation, he proudly served our country in the United States Army as an MP. While moving around the country with the military, he married the love of his life, Marti Watkins. They eventually were stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Houston County, where they decided to settle. In 1976, he obtained Veteran status with the Air Force and became a Trooper with the Georgia State Patrol. During his employment with GSP, he received numerous awards for his meritorious service. In order to further his education and enforce his career, Danny received an Associates Degree from Tift College and a Bachelor Degree from Mercer University, both in Criminal Justice. He retired from GSP in 2000. Upon his retirement, Danny began working as a private investigator. A man with a great sense of humor, he will be fondly remembered as telling "stories around the table". He was preceded in death by his son, Danny Ray, Jr.; 3 brothers; and 2 sisters. Left to cherish the memories of Danny are his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Marti Ray of Perry; his children, Bill Ray (Kathy) of Elko, Jimmy Ray (Jannett) of Perry, and Mikie Ray (Kathryn) of Perry; 10 grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as "Papa"; 1 great-grandchild; a sister, Willie Eubanks of Griffin; a brother, Glenn Ray (Diane) of Milledgeville; and a host of nieces and nephews. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

Daniel Stephen 'Danny' Ray

April 4, 1946 - July 12, 2015