Larry Paul Ray

Larry Paul Ray    August 20, 1940 – July 23, 2023

Larry Paul Ray was born in Oakland, California on August 20, 1940 to George and Maxine Ray.  He had one sister, Judie.  When he was 7 years old, the family moved to Castro Valley, California, where he resided the rest of his life.  The family had a small plot of land and raised chickens and other animals, and had a big garden.  He tried to instill a bit of country life in his daughters, but they tended toward being city girls. 

As a child, Larry loved cats (owning a succession of them throughout his life), chickens (which he showed at the county fair) and cars (owning his first car at 12 years old).  The local sheriff at the time allowed him to drive in town in a prescribed area despite not having a license!

Larry was a member of the first ever graduating class of Castro Valley High School.  From there he attended L.A. City College for several months before joining the Navy.  In the Navy, he worked in the engine room of a troop transport, with ports of call in Japan and Korea.

After leaving the military, Larry was introduced to Carol, the love of his life, by a mutual friend.  They married young and enjoyed 60 years together before his passing.  They had two daughters, Christine and Brenda, of whom they were very proud.

In the early 1970’s Larry got his general contractor’s license and opened his own business, first working on mobile homes, and then later, large modular buildings.  Carol and Larry ran the business until they retired in the early 2000’s, passing the company on to a long-time loyal employee.  Larry taught his girls many useful things about construction and home repair that they use to this day.

Larry enjoyed good food (especially See’s Candy), hanging out with his friends, his male bonding trips, golf (until he had to quit due to arthritis), riding his Harley (until he had to get rid of it), and his family.  He was a big supporter of his family, and woe to anyone who crossed one of them.  He loved to joke around and tease, often bestowing nicknames on his friends and family that often related to some personal flaw or embarrassing incident.

In his later years, Larry’s passion was his grandson, Bradley.  They developed a close bond and Larry taught him many things, some of which his parents may not have approved of (driving a backhoe at 3 years old, drinking, doing things behind his mother’s back, etc.).

Larry is survived by his wife Carol, his daughters Brenda and Christine, Son-in-law Steve, grandson Bradley, niece Ann and nephews Mike and Mark.

Family and friends will be gathering to remember him and share stories on his birthday, August 20, 2023, at the Ray family home at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.