Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Earl James Ray, 67, passed away of a heart attack in his home in Beaverton, Ore., on May 3, 2012. He was born in Hood River, Ore., on Dec. 14, 1944, as the second child of Virgil Leroy Ray and Lorena King Ray. His siblings were Richard (Dick) and Sharron.
All 12 years of his education were completed in Hood River schools. Earl continued to take various classes his entire life, always trying to increase his knowledge.
Earl moved to Seattle, Wash., and worked for Darigold Milk Company for several years. While there, he joined the reserves of the National Guard for a couple of years.
After several years in Seattle, Earl moved to Kenai, Alaska, for many, many years. In Kenai, he drilled water wells and worked on an oil drilling platform in the ocean. Earl made enough money working at the other two jobs, he was able to start his own construction company, building homes and office buildings.
He and Gale Fischer reconnected after their 20-year high school class reunion. The happy couple eventually were married. Within a few years, though, the couple moved to Beaverton, Ore.
In Beaverton, Gale returned to working at a local hospital and Earl purchased a half interest in Northwest Roofing. He loved his roofing crews and office staff. He enjoyed doing extra things for them. He was the sole owner of the company at the time of his passing.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Gale; father, Virgil; brother, Richard; and an infant daughter, Beth.
He is survived by his mother, Lorena Ray, of Hood River; daughter Dena Hiscock of Orange Park, Fla.; sister Sharron (John) Rath, of Hood River; sister-in-law Patricia Ray, of southern Pines, N.C.; two granddaughters, Lily and Claire Hiscock, of Orange Park, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials in Earl's name may be made to Oregon Heart Association or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary is handling the memorial service arrangements. The service will be Friday, may 11, at 3:30 p.m. For more information visit www.finleysunsethills.com or call 503-292-6654.
To plant a tree in memory of Earl Ray as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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