Ray Lawrence

Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Ray Lawrence, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2016 in his home in Oakley, Utah.

He was born in Salt Lake City on March 24, 1926 to William and Elsie May Lawrence and was the youngest of 12 children.

Ray entered the Navy in 1945 at the age of eighteen and served his country as a Radioman Petty Officer 3rd class.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he served an LDS mission in the Bristol, England area, an experience that he spoke often and fondly of.  Later, he served as bishop of the Garden Heights North Ward.  The highlights of his service was helping the youth and widows of that ward.  Ray and his wife Gayle, held many joint church callings including an LDS mission office couple in Manchester England, the branch presidency at Primary Children’s Hospital and served together many years in the Jordan River Temple.

Ray married his sweetheart Gayle Richards on May 18, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple and together they celebrated 67 wonderful years before her passing just 7 short weeks ago.

One of Ray’s greatest passions in life was building houses and could always be found working on plans for his next project.  He was grateful to spend the last year of his life in one of his favorite places, Oakley.  He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings. He is survived by his 4 children Cathi, Gary(Susie), Julie(Doug), David; 17 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

A private family gathering will be held Monday, August 22, 2016 at the Marion City Cemetery.