Gordon Reese Ray, Jr., (aka “Papa” & “Butch”), 75, of San Diego, California passed away Monday, April 29, 2019, at the VA Hospital in La Jolla. He was born December 11, 1943 in Denver, Colorado and grew up in Kentucky.
He is survived by his daughter Stacey Kubitz (Jason) and two grandsons (Kayne and Kole), Norma Heideman “Nana” and in-laws Regina “Tutu” and Fred “Papa Fred”. Also survived by his stepchildren Frankie (Cheryl) Alexander, Jeanette Braaten, brothers Gregory (Linda), Paul and sister Ruth Ann Curtis, sister-in-law Lucille Ray, and four nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Aileen and Gordon Ray, Sr., brother-in-law John J. “Jack” Curtis, brother William H. Ray and stepdaughter Julie Langer
Gordon was born and raised Catholic and at 18 years old joined the U.S. Navy on January 30, 1962 during the Vietnam War. He served on the USS Halsey, DLG 23 stationed in San Diego. Gordon started his own excavating business in San Diego called “Gordon Ray & Daughter Excavating” in the early 1980s. He continued grading until a few years ago until his cancer metastasized.
A very special thank you to all of the nurses, doctors, employees and pastors at the VA Hospital in La Jolla, California.
What Gordon left behind are the very best family and friends anyone could ever have! Gordon appreciated and loved you all so much.
The family would like to thank the San Diego Fisher House on the Naval Medical Center (34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134) for providing its facilities for out of town family during this period.
The service will be at 5 p.m. Friday, May 10 at Lakeside Christian Church, 13739 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040. Reception to follow.
For information, Call the East County Mortuary at (619) 440–9900. Online condolences may be made at eastcountymortuary.com.