Ashley Ray, beloved son of Myra Ray, and the late Charles E. Ray, passed away after a short illness on July 21st, 2024.
Ashley was born in Indianapolis on Feb 23rd, 1971, and raised in Brown Co, IN. Upon graduation from Brown Co. High School in 1989, he attended the University of Southern MS, in Evansville. He received his bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in Sociology. He made his career in the banking industry, first working for Hancock Bank in Gulfport, MS, then Old National Bank in Evansville.
Although Ashley was a banker by trade, he was an artist and hippie of sorts at heart. He won many sketching and drawing awards and contests in high school and was tasked with creating a picture of the school mascot that was displayed in the schools’ commons area for many years after. He loved playing guitar and keyboards, writing music and poetry, and having his friends listen to him strum and sing along. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by his friends and loved ones kicking back and enjoying the time with them. He loved his favorite bands as well. David Bowie, the Grateful Dead, and Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree were some of his favorites. He also loved reading and had an extensive library at his home. Subjects such as the Cosmos and cognitive neuroscience were some of his favorite topics to take in and discuss. He was truly fascinated by space and any and everything associated with its exploration.
Ashley is survived by his mother Myra Ray and sister Ilsa Carlile, both of Biloxi, MS, half-brothers Bobby Guidry Jr. of Bayou Vista, LA and Charles E. Ray Jr. of Austin TX, and half-sister Pam Gladden of Monticello, AR. Per his request, he required a simple cremation and there will be no funeral. He only asked that his ashes be buried under a tree so that as the tree grew, he would grow with it. His wishes shall be followed, and he will be placed under his mother and sisters stately Live Oak tree in their front yard with a view of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico in the distance. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bokeh Lounge on Sat. night, Aug. 3rd. Everyone is invited and we ask that everyone smiles and laughs and remembers the good times with their good friend.
May his rest be peaceful, and may the Cosmos go on long after his departure…
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