NATCHEZ — John Wesley Ray Jr. passed away at Ollie Steele Burden Manor Nursing Home in Baton Rouge, La., on Christmas night, 2017.

He was born in Memphis, Tenn., on Dec. 9th, 1928. He spent most of his childhood in

Vicksburg and graduated from Carr Central High School. He was an Eagle Scout, participated in track and field, and tennis.

After graduation, he served in the United States Navy from 1948 to1950 on the USS Midway, CV-41, during the Korean War. He was also a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force Reserve from 1952 to 1957.

He received a bachelor’s in electrical engineering and communication from Mississippi State University in May of 1952. He was third in his class. He was a member of the following honor societies, Phi Etta Sigma, Kappa Mu Epsilon, Tau Beta Pi, and Blue Key. He is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

After graduating from college, he accepted an offer from Schlumberger Well Services in Houston, Texas, as a general field engineer. He was transferred to Natchez in 1963.

After 30 years, he retired from Schlumberger. He worked as an exploration manager for R. E. Williams Drilling Company, Memphis, Tenn., for several years before pursuing a consultant career in the oil and gas industry.

He was a member of the Professional Society of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AlEE).

He felt one of his biggest accomplishments was being involved in finding and developing Clark Creek Oil Field in Wilkinson County, which he affectionately referred to as “Wilcox Country”.

He proudly served on the Natchez Water Board from 1978 until 2011.

He was a member of Grace Methodist Church, the Elks Club and Belwood Country Club.

After retirement, one of his favorite things to do was to meet with other oil & gas retirees for lunch at the Eola Hotel to discuss matters of the day, which they referred to as “The Round Table”.

He was passionate about watching the Mississippi State University Bulldogs football and baseball games, loved following the stock market, being with family and friends at Rifle Point and enjoyed reading.

He cherished his beloved Labrador retriever named “CoCo”.

He is survived by his children, Terry Ann Ray Dever of Baton Rouge, La., John Wesley Ray III (Theresa Cascino) of Athens, Ga., Pamela Ray Gladney (Windy) of Baton Rouge, La., James “Jimmy” William Ray (Susan Metcalfe) of Charlotte, N.C., Susan Ray Meng (Paul) of Baton Rouge, La.; his sister, Joyce R. Harden of Vicksburg;  his former wife, Patricia Roth Ray; grandchildren, Lowell Emerson Dever IV, Joshua David Oates, John Wesley Ray IV, Caroline Wesley Gladney Shirley (Robert), Charles Wallace Gladney III, Charlotte Washburn Gladney Hollingsworth (Todd), James “Jamie” William Ray Jr., Morgan Metcalfe Ray, Clare Frances Meng and Charles Lawrence Meng; great-granddaughter, Merritt Wesley Shirley; and his nephew, Michael Harden (Sharon).

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, at Laird Funeral Home, 408 North Union Street, Natchez, MS, 39120, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Service to follow at 12:30 p.m. officiated by father Paul Kunnumpuram, with burial to follow at the Natchez National Cemetery, 41 Cemetery Road, Natchez, MS 39120.

Pallbearers will include Lowell Dever, Joshua Oates, John W. Ray IV, Charles Gladney, Jamie Ray, Morgan Ray, Robert Shirley and Todd Hollingsworth.

Honorary pallbearers are Windy Gladney and Paul Meng.

He was a kind and generous person, and always put others needs ahead of his own. He truly was a great father, granddad and friend to many. He will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Cathedral High School, Natchez, MS., or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.