Robert E. “Smokey” Ray II, 69, passed away Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Box Butte General Hospital.

 

He was born on June 15, 1947 in Alliance to Robert E. and Blanche (DuBois) Ray.  He attended a one room grade school and then graduated from Hemingford High School in 1966.  Smokey served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1972.  After his military service he worked for farmers in Kansas and Nebraska until his retirement in 2014.

 

Smokey was a life-time member of the American Legion Post No. 9 and a past member of the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department and the Flying Feeders 4-H Club.

 

Smokey is survived by his brothers, Tom ( Melinda)  Ray of Menifee, CA, Jim (Sheila ) Ray of Hemingford, sister-in-law, Nancy Ray,  nephews Paul , Ezra Ray and Mike and Matt Honstein, and his aunt, Dorothy Ray of Hemingford.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Juanita Bailey, his brothers, Paul, Andy and Jon  and his uncle, Charles Ray.

 

Memorial services will be Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church. Father Tim Stoner will officiate.  Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery with military honors.

 

Memorials may be given to the American Legion Post No. 9, Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice in lieu of flowers.

 

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.