Known to his friends as “Big Bob”, Roy Ray served close to 25 years in the military including deployments during World War II and the Korean War, rising to the rank of Senior
Master Sergeant. Most of Roy’s military service was spent as a welder in Japan where he would work on aircraft.
After his time in the military, Roy and his wife, Thelma, moved to the states and would eventually settle in DeLand in 1965. They soon would put down roots in town, founding DeLand Metal Craft in 1967.
Together, Roy and his wife would have three children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His granddaughter, Brooke Whitaker, said Roy was well-known in the community and helped other businesses like A-1 Electric get started. He was also a lifetime member of
AmVets, American Legion, VFW and the DeLand Bridge Club.
Roy died in 2013 at the age of 93.
We thank Roy for his service to our country and this community!
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up