Celebration of Life for Mark Ray

CELEBRAA TION OF LIFE & LOVE

MARK RAY

UNIVERSITYOF TENNESSEE

TM

December 30, 2022 Viewing: 1:30 PM

Service: 2:30 PM

New Mount Zion Baptist Church

1785 Amelia Street Orangeburg, SC 29115

MARK VINCENT RA aY SON BROTHER COUSIN UNCLE FRIEND ▪

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Today we celebrate the life of Mark Vincent Ray. Mark made his heavenly transition on Friday, December 16, 2022 in Des Moines, IA.

Mark was born on December 21, 1962 in Orangeburg, SC to the late Chester and Vivian Ray. Mark’s parents taught him to love God, value education, and work hard. He gave his life to the Lord and was an active member of New Mount Zion Baptist Church. He participated in Sunday School and was a member of the Baptist Youth Fellowship.

Mark attended grade school at Felton Laboratory School and high school at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School where he was an award-winning thespian and member of the Dramatics Club, member of the Key Club, member of the Air Force Jr. ROTC, Student Council Representative, and member of the National Honor Society. He graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1980.

Mark went on to attend the University of South Florida and University of Tennessee. It was at the University of Tennessee where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1984. Several years later, Mark earned multiple certifications in software programming to broaden his skills in the industrial marketplace where he thrived as a computer application programmer and senior business analyst with vast experience in CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

Mark was formerly married to Jocelyn Hunter in 1993. They remained steadfast friends throughout the years. Mark married former wife, Archaletta Ray in 2000. Their faith and love for each other allowed them to maintain their strong bond of friendship, forever holding a special place in each other’s heart.

Mark spent 30+ years in corporate America as an Industrial Engineer, Computer Programmer, and Business Analyst working in a wide range of industries to include but not limited to Aerospace and Defense, Industrial Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Consumer Goods. Prior to his death, he was a Sr. Software Programmer for Gainwell Technologies in Des Moines, IA utilizing his expertise in CMS to support major Medicare and Medicaid Programs for the state of Iowa.

Mark was a member of several impactful organizations to which he was devoted, such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge.

“If life isn’t fun, then you’re not doing it right.” If you know “Marky Mark,” you know he had a zest for life. He was a fun-loving son, brother, uncle, friend, and die hard Funkateer who loved to fish, make you laugh, play bidwhist and dominos, and could be counted on to put on the biggest fireworks show for the kids at every holiday gathering. He was passionate about his University of Tennessee Vols and always looked forward to bantering with friends on game day. His quick wit will be remembered fondly.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Vivian Ray; two brothers, Chester A. Ray, Jr., and Derek J. Ray; and nephew Christian Ray. Mark leaves to cherish his memory, two siblings: Vilinda C. (Mark) McCann of Bowie, MD, and David C. (Angela) Ray of Leesburg, VA; and sister-in-law, Mary Ray of Columbia, SC. He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, fraternity brothers and lifelong friends.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Reverend Yvonne Singleton, Officiating PRELUDE MUSICAL SELECTION Mrs. Karyn A. J. Moss SCRIPTURE Old Testament - Psalm 46 New Testament - Romans 8:35, 37-39 PRAYER OF COMFORT TRIBUTES Community: Mr. Gerald DeCosta Church: Ms. Linda Corry Family: Dr. Valerie Cave MUSICAL SELECTION Mrs. Karyn A. J. Moss WORDS OF COMFORT Reverend Yvonne Singleton RECESSIONAL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many thanks to each and every one of you for the many expressions of kindness, support, love, and above all, for your prayers during this time. It has been a comforting blessing to our family. May God bless you beyond measure. ~ The Ray Family

PALLBEARERS

James Beard, Jr. ▪ Gerald DeCosta ▪ Malvin Harmon, Jr. Sean Harmon ▪ Wendell Nimmons ▪ William Nimmons

FLOWER BEARERS Friends of the Family

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO:

Glover’s Funeral Home 2562 Charleston Hwy ▪ Orangeburg, SC 29115

INTERMENT

Belleville Memorial Gardens 2900 Belleville Road ▪ Orangeburg, SC 29118

REPAST

The Ray Family Home program design by VXPRO abell@vxproinc.com