Robert S. Ray, 81, of Hopedale and a former longtime Franklin resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at Milford Hospital, following a long illness. He was the former husband of Barbara G. (Steans) Ray of Colorado.
Born in Brookline, Jan. 18, 1927, a son of the late Louis P. and Florence (Smith) Ray, he was raised and educated in Franklin and was a 1944 graduate of Franklin High School. He also attended and graduated from Dean Academy and studied at the University of Montana. He eventually undertook Baptist divinity studies in South Carolina and served as a Christian missionary to the Lebanese.
He became a member of the First Baptist Bible Church in Beirut where he wrote and printed Christian tracts in English, French and Arabic, and made many lifelong friends among Christians and Muslims.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II and again in Korea. He attained the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in August 1954. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
He is survived by three sons, Stephen of Colorado, Gary of California and Bradley of Alaska; two brothers, David and Philip Ray of Florida; three sisters, Phyllis McLaughlin of Milton, Cynthia Walenty of Uxbridge and Marjorie Wren of Florida; 17 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was the brother of the late Arthur Ray.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation at the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St., www.franklinfuneral.com, Monday, from noon to 1 p.m.
A graveside funeral service with military honors will follow at the National Cemetery in Bourne at 2:30 p.m.