Ronald Doyle Ray, of Brush, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2025. He was born on March 15, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, to Ruth Evelyn Strand Ray and Marvin Ray.

In 1966, Ron joined the United States Army. After completing his training and serving a year with the 82nd Airborne Division, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned as an infantry squad leader to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. His valor and dedication earned him numerous awards, including an Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Medal, the Bronze Star for Valor, and a Purple Heart. Later, he served as an instructor at Fort Campbell, KY, where he taught jungle survival, map reading, and the code of conduct to trainees before their tours in Vietnam. Ron was honorably discharged in May 1969. Later in his life, he was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and served on their Board of Directors.

Following his military service, Ron spent 10 years traveling throughout the United States, exhibiting his personally designed and manufactured jewelry at regional and national exhibitions. During this time, he also spent six months mining gold in Northern California for his jewelry. His exceptional craftsmanship earned him over sixty awards for design and craftsmanship. Ron opened a jewelry store, Ron Ray Jewelers-Designers & Gemologists, in Delray Beach, Florida, and, in 1986, received a special award from the Japan Pearl Exporter's Association in the Actual Jewelry Division. In March 1992, he received a Graduate Gemology diploma. He took great pride in his G.G. title and worked diligently to achieve it.

Ron had a profound interest in military history, with a particular focus on World War II and the Vietnam War.  He wrote numerous accounts of his personal experiences during the Vietnam War and was working on a non-fiction book.

Ron was an avid reader with extensive knowledge across a wide range of subjects. In recent years, he developed a tremendous interest in antique farm equipment and ran a successful online business buying and selling antique tools.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ruth Evelyn Ray. He is survived by his sisters, Marlene Baker and Janet Van Billiard, and their loving, extended families.

At Ron's request, there will be no public services.