Walter “Dave” David Ray passed away on November 12, 2023, at his home in Winnemucca, Nevada.
He was born on January 16, 1942, in Wilson, Oklahoma to Aaron Ray and Edit Dunigan.
Growing up, David's family followed the crops and also worked on ranches in Oklahoma and Colorado.
David’s fondest memories were going camping with his dad and brothers and fighting with the hens to gather eggs.
David was also very close to his mother and grandmother.
In 1960, David graduated from Bloomfield High School in New Mexico. He followed the crops for a while and ended up in El Paso, Texas, where he attended Durham College and received a certificate in Accounting.
David was also part of the NASA LIM project at the White Sands Missile Range.
The next few years, David earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Colorado State University while working for the Forestry Service and the campus bookstore.
Five years later, David earned his Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. During that time David was also part of the Coconino County Search and Rescue as well as a volunteer EMT.
David started his teaching career in Williams, Arizona where he taught Vocational Trades for two years. He then moved to Meeker, Colorado where he taught and married Patty Hale on November 28, 1980. He and Patty then moved to Winnemucca, Nevada.
The two shared two children together, Charles Allen Ray and Christa Kay Ray. In Winnemucca, David taught at Albert M Lowry High School until retirement in 2003. David loved teaching Vocational Trades, but his favorite thing to teach was drafting. "Seeing my students succeed and find what they loved was the best reward".
He enjoyed woodworking and leatherwork in his free time.
David leaves a legacy of hard work, a love for his family, and always helping others with nothing expected in return.
His greatest joy was family. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Patty K. Ray and his daughter, Christa K. Ray.
His six grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren as well as his brothers Roy Ray and Rocky Ray.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Edith Ray, his brothers, Paul Ray, Kenneth Ray and Herald Ray and his son, Charles Allen Ray.
A memorial service will be held after the first of the year.
The Ray family would like to thank Guiding Light Hospice for all their wonderful care.