BRUNSWICK — Clinton Ray, 65, died Jan. 28 at Bodwell House with his family by his side after a year-long battle with kidney cancer.

He was born in Majestic, Ky. on Oct. 20, 1946 and was a son of Virginia Tennessee and John Nelson Ray Sr. He was educated in the Majestic school system. At age 19 he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War with the fourth infantry division and served from 1967 to 1968. Upon his return from Vietnam he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Brunswick Naval Air Station with Fleet Air Wing 3 in 1969.

While he was stationed at BNAS he met the love of his life, Karen Ann Paulin, of Bath and they married on April 1, 1972.

He worked as a pipe coverer at Bath Iron Works until retiring in 1988. He was also the kettle coordinator for the Salvation Army in Bath for 22 years.

He was predeceased by both parents; four brothers Clyde, Tenness, Leon and Darrell; and sister Lillian.

Ray is survived by his wife of 42 years Karen Ann Ray; two children Clinton Joseph Ray and his wife Chelsea of Portland and Margaret Virginia Merrill and her husband Greg of Brunswick; five grandchildren William Joseph Ray, Connor Adam Ray, Braydon Wayne Merrill, Michael Sebastian Ray and Destiny Rae-Ann Merrill; brothers Turner Ray of Kentucky, John Nelson Ray Jr. of West Virginia and Randy Ray of Virginia; sister Dorothy Lester and Jamie Forntier, both of Virginia; and seven nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will take place at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath on Feb. 3 from 2-4 p.m. A gathering will take place for all who would like to join the family at the Bounty Restaurant located at the Holiday Inn in Bath from 4-6 p.m.


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