Obituary of Donald E. Ray

Chaplain Donald E. Ray, 82, of 164 Linwood Avenue, passed away Friday evening, December 4, 2020 in his home. He was born July 3, 1938 in Glenmoore, Pa., one of four children of the late Rodney E. and Gladys Davis Ray. A 1956 graduate of Downingtown High School, Don went on to graduate from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, American University in Washington, D.C. and the Wesley Theological Seminary in D.C. Don was ordained a United Methodist Minister and became a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Conference. Churches then served by Chaplain Don were Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Steelton, Pa., Lancaster Avenue United Methodist Church in Lancaster, Pa., Gap UMC in Gap, Pa., Honeybrook UMC in Honeybrook, Pa., First United Methodist Church of Pottstown, Pa. and Gradyville UMC in Gradyville, Pa. Don then came to Jamestown and served as Hospital Chaplain for 27 years at WCA Hospital. He was on the Board of Directors as a caregiver member for two years and also started a chapter of "The Compassionate Friends" group for the parents of deceased children. Following retirement from the hospital, Don continued his ministry by performing many funerals and weddings in the area. In the early 1990's, Don helped start Koinonia of Jamestown & Chautauqua County and served as Spiritual Director for many of the group's weekend retreats. He was also active in the Kairos Prison Ministry and then Keryx Prison Ministry. He enjoyed being a "Grandpa" for one week summer sessions of the Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for children. Don was Pastoral Associate at First Presbyterian Church of Jamestown for eight years, where he helped in all aspects of work needed, served with the Stephen Ministry Team and sang in the choir. He was a member of the Chamber Singers in Jamestown for over 30 years and the Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM for many years, receiving two Paul Harris Fellow Awards. He was a former board member of Hospice of Chautauqua County and in earlier years belonged to the Honeybrook and Pottstown Pa. Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as being a Pack Master for the Cub Scouts. Throughout the years, Don was a devoted husband and fantastic Dad and Grandpa. He enjoyed family travel, RV camping, music, creative writing, carpentry and handyman projects. Surviving is his wife of 31 years, Karen Danielson Adams-Ray; sons, Joel (Lindsey) Ray and Don's grandchildren, Carson, Parker and Colin Ray of Roanoke, VA, and Matthew (Jessica) Ray and Don's grandchildren, Jeremiah and Evalee Ray of Peru, NY; stepson, Bradley C. (Whitney) Adams and Don's granddaughter, Makena Rose Adams of Frewsburg, NY; and brothers, Robert (Margaret) Ray of Glenmoore, Pa., and Paul (Carol) Ray of Tennessee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Philip Donald Ray; stepson, Matthew C. Adams in May of this year; sister, Evelyn Ray McClure; and his former wife, Elizabeth Jane Riegner in December of 2015. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021 in First Presbyterian Church, Jamestown. The family will greet friends following the service in Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers at this time, memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750; or to First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Throughout his life Don served in too many ways to include them all and often quietly with personal impact on those he touched. Don's family appreciates your stories, remembrances and condolences you can leave by visiting www.lindfuneralhome.com.