Michael Joseph Ray

Michael Joseph Ray age 73 of Spring Hill, KS died Wednesday May 29, 2024 at his home.

Michael was born June 19, 1950 in Colby, KS. He was born to Alvie Theodore and Marjorie May (Owens) Ray. He attended high school in Longton, KS. Michael then attended Pittsburg State University.

Then in 1969, Michael enlisted into the United States Navy into the Nuclear Power Program. He was a Machinist Mate on the USS Enterprise. Michael did three tours during the Vietnam War. In 1980, he was honorably discharged after 11 years.

Michael went to work for Wolf Creek Power Plant as a Nuclear Operator Instructor for 17 years. He then had various jobs including at the cheese factory in Garnett where he met his wife Susan Ratliff. In 2003, Michael started driving a truck for Schneider Trucking until his retirement in 2014.

In his free time, Michael loved anything to do with history. He had a wealth of knowledge about everything from the Louis & Clark expedition to all of the wars and so much more. Michael enjoyed staying at home once he retired but always wanted his family to come over and spend time with him. He was known for his sense of humor and his sarcasm. Michael never met a stranger and could hold conversations with any stranger he met. He was a past member of the American Legion, VFW and a motorcycle group that he went with on a ride to Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Bonnie Stoddard.

Survivors include his wife Susan Ratliff of the home, daughter Angela (Sam) Seybert of Atlanta, GA and step daughter Valaire (Patrick) Murphy of Manhattan, KS, three granddaughters; Anjel Brewer, Kaitlyn Brewer and Hayley Henderson, three brothers; Jim Wallace, Patrick Wallace and David Ray.

Donations to American Legion Post 156 or Salvation Army.