Gary H. Ray

Gary Houlton Ray, born on November 18, 1939, in Wymore, Nebraska, passed away on January 26, 2025. Known for his dedication, reliability, and supportive nature, Gary was always ready to lend a hand or share a smile with those around him.
Gary graduated from Barneston High School in 1956, and attended technical college in Kansas City. He returned to Wymore and worked for Dick and Hale at the Conoco station. He also worked construction and for Beatrice concrete before he became a truck driver in 1959. On January 17, 1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara "Barb" Mueller at the Wymore Methodist Church. Together, they had six children and built a life centered around love, hard work, and dedication to family. He worked for Darling Transport out of Auburn, and after moving to Beatrice worked for Wheelers. He worked various jobs as a truck driver, mechanic, and dispatcher, but was most known for his and Barb's lawn care business, Ray's Mowing. He mowed lawns until he was 84 years old. His passion for lawn care was passed down to his grandsons, Seth and Tyler, who have their own lawncare businesses in their respective communities, but Gary's hard work ethic was passed down to all his family members.
He was a dedicated worker, but also found time for his hobbies. He enjoyed watching sprint car races, rodeos, Nebraska Husker sports, and hunting and fishing. He was also heavily involved as a Cub Scout Leader for troop #221. Yet, what mattered most to Gary was his family, attending his grandkids and great grandkids' sports and activities whenever he could.
Gary is survived by his children, Jeff (Pam) Ray, Doug Ray, Randy Ray, Chris Ray, and Candace Reed; grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Kobi, Kyle, Dalton, Sawyer, Jessica, Harley, Hannah, Seth, Cierra, Cheyenne, and Karlea; numerous great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Jerry Mueller and Terry Brownawell; sister-in-law, Cheryl Mueller; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard "Bud" and Esther Ray; his wife Barb (November 26, 2023); son, Shawn Ray (May 5, 2024), grandsons, Derrik and Ian; and sister, Janet Ray. Gary's love, support, and dedication have become a part of all who knew him and will forever be remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation as cremation has taken place. Gary's ashes will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Wymore Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America. Please feel free to share your favorite memories of Gary or upload photos to his memorial page at www.ghchapel.com. Your contributions will help all who loved him remember his kindness, his love for his family, and his unwavering dedication.
These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.