John Mitchell Ray born June 07, 1947, in Glasgow, Kentucky and following a 10-year battle with cancer, peacefully departed this life to be in the presence of his Lord and King Jesus Christ Friday February 13, 2026, at Grandview Hospital in Hoover, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents Teddy S. Ray and Helen B. Ray. His sister Susan Carol Phifer, his mother-in-law Rachel Howton, father-in-law Troy Howton, best friend from childhood Jessie Ferguson, minister mentor and friend James “Jim” Savage.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Karen Ray, sons Jeff Ray (Georgia), Jonathan Howton (Kathy), grandchildren Hannah Kate, Jackson, Rowan, Brooklyn, Julia and was waiting in excited anticipation for twins coming in July, brothers William “Billy” Ray (Mary) Roger Ray (Hui) brother-in-law Mike Howton, Sherrill Howton, nieces Jenny, Jamie, Josey, Jandee, Joleene, Lauren, Valerie, Jessica, nephews Bradley and Joseph.
John worked in the retail world for over 32 years in management at Grants, Service Merchandise, Golbro’s (where he met Karen), Office Depot, Montgomery Ward – Electric Avenue and Home Image, Waccamaw and Marks Fitsgerald; living in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Wisconsin, before answering the call to go into the ministry on a Sunday morning in 1999, at Riverchase UMC while singing the congregational song – Here I Am Lord. In 2000 he studied at Emory in Georgia and became a Licensed Local Pastor appointed to Riverchase UMC where he served continuously teaching a 2-hour class on Wednesday mornings and assisting in the Sunday services and even still preaching from time to time right up until his transition to Heaven February 13, 2026. John loved the studying and teaching the history of the Bible. He loved people and he loved helping people develop a relationship with Christ, so they could know not only who they were but also WHO’S they were. He was a loving supportive, encouraging husband, father, and friend. Known for using his Kentuckyisims like “Fine as a frog hair split three ways” or “Make you stand on your head and gargle peanut butter” or “If I was any better, I would have to take something for it” (to make people laugh). John LOVED others, and he knew others loved him.
There will be a viewing and visitation service on Thursday February 19, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the sanctuary of Riverchase United Methodist Church as well as a Celebration of Life service on Saturday February 28, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM with visitation to follow – also in the sanctuary. Please be thinking of your favorite John Ray memory so it can be recorded on a brief video on the site of the services for the family to have to assist them in their healing of the loss of this remarkable, wonderful man. The service will be live streamed from the church website, riverchaseumc.org Riverchase United Methodist Church located at 1953 Old Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35244 (205)987-4030.
Comments