William Franklin “Bill” Ray, 88, of Frankfort, Indiana, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Witham Health Services in Lebanon. He was born on May 3, 1935 in Lee County, Virginia, to Willie and Nancy Jane (Pillion) Ray. He was a member of Faith Family Ministries. He married Lulu Bell Linson on April 5, 1957 in Frankfort, Indiana. They met on a blind date and were a true love story being married for 66 1/2 years and together for 70.
Bill attended school in Rose Hill, Virginia, and moved to Frankfort when he was 17. He served in the United States Army. He was a mechanic at the National Cigar Factory in Frankfort for 38 years, retiring in 1997. As part owner of Bill & Dave’s Used Furniture in Frankfort, he loved collecting antiques and refinishing furniture. His willingness to help everyone who walked through the door showed his true character.
It is difficult to say farewell, and we will always remain thankful for his patience, guidance and the love he passed on to us all. We will remember his special smile, humble and caring heart, and the warm embrace he gave us and his comforting words “It’ll be ok”. The love he showed will be carried on through our children and grandchildren and he will always hold a special place in our lives. He was the patriarch of the family shaping and guiding us through thick and thin while filling our lives full of memories. His greatest joy will always be his family.
Surviving with Lou, his wife of 66 1/2 years are his daughters, Cindy (Jerry) Kelly, Linda (Marc) Wann, and Brenda (Mitch) Laughner all of Frankfort. He was a grandfather to 7 grandchildren: Brandon (Jaime) Kelly, Jarrid Allan Kelly, Ben (Morgan) Kelly, Colton (Katie) McKinney, Kristin (Brittain) O’Neal, Matilyne (Gabe Buschman) Laughner, Lane (Shelby) Laughner and also 11 great-grandchildren: Ava, Braxton, and Lea Kelly, Beck and Belle Kelly, Steve, Blake, Westen, and Emberlynn McKinney, and Halle and Jett O’Neal. Bill also had countless friends whom he treasured. He was preceded in death by his parents, precious grandson Jarrid Allan Kelly, son-in-law Steve McKinney, 3 brothers, Kenneth Ray, Claude Ray and Roy Lee Ray, younger brother Crumley and infant sister Betty.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 6th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Russiaville Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Faith Family Ministries or Riley Hospital for Children. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may share a personal message with the family.