Ronnie Ray

Ronnie Ray died January 10th, 2019 in Atlanta. Born June 3, 1960 in Thomasville, GA, he was the son of Darby and Joan Ray. The Ray family moved to Tifton soon after Ronnie was born. Ronnie started school there at Anne Belle Clark Elementary, and quickly became known as a quiet, but friendly guy. The Rays returned to Thomasville in ’69 where Ronnie began his music career. Piano lessons started and Ronnie joined the school band. He became an accomplished trombonist and was a member of the All-State band in high school. Following graduation from Thomasville High, Ronnie attended FSU and Georgia Southern. Ronnie moved to Atlanta in 1984, and began his music career playing the piano. Ronnie played at Atlanta area restaurants, played at weddings and has been employed as a pianist for the Atlanta Ballet for many years. While always serious when he was playing, he was well known for his happy, friendly, and joking manner. Ronnie is predeceased by his parents. Ronnie is survived by his brother Ken Ray and his wife, Denise, his nephews Kevin and his wife Cassie (Ashburn, VA), and Cameron (Kill Devil Hills, NC), his partner Greg Van Buren, and his ‘kitties’. Services will be held at Allen and Allen Funeral Home Chapel at 2 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2019, followed by a wake. In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations be made to your local animal shelter in honor of Ronnie.