Theodore Ray

THEODORE B. RAY Jr., age 90 of South Euclid, Ohio. He was the beloved husband of the late Doris I. Ray and loving father of Martha G. Ray of South Euclid, Ohio, Marie N. Melinda of Madison, Ohio, Robert C. Amy of San Diego, California, Laura E. Woody of Seven Hills, Ohio and Peter F. Dianna of San Francisco, California. He was the grandfather of Sarah R., the step-grandfather of 4 and step great-grandfather of 4. Ted Ray was a United States Officer with the 790th bomb squad, 467th bomb group of the 8th Army Air Corps during WWII. Lt. Ray was involved in commanding the mechanics of many B24 "Flying Fortress" planes such as the famous B-24 plane named, "Witchcraft", which flew 130 combat missions over enemy Nazi territory without an early return or any casualties. Lieutenant Ray, as the squadron personal equipment officer of the 467th Bomb Group, was commended for safeguarding the lives of combat crews flying at high altitudes. Lieutenant Ray and his men supplied and maintained well-fitted oxygen masks to prevent suffocation, electrically heated suits, gloves, and shoes to guard against freezing temperatures, and many other items for each combat man flying in the giant Liberators. During WWII, Ted played tenor saxophone with a band called, "The Airliners", formed from fellow Army Air Corp comrades. During a competition in Rackheath, England held by legendary band leader Glenn Miller, Ted's band was awarded first place and the honor to play at the stage door Canteen and Covent Garden in London, England. Ted Ray was a member of the Mayflower Society of Plymouth, Massachusetts and a descendant of Mayflower passengers Richard Warren and William Bradford. Ted's Irish descendants arrived in this country during the Great Potato Famine of the 1850's. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to Christ Episcopal Church 3445 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44122 where a Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 13th. A graveside service will follow a brief family reception. The inurnment will be at North Lawn Cemetery, 4927 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, Ohio. If you wish to order flowers for the service, please call 216-283-3300.


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