Richard Ray

Richard “Rich” Lee Ray, Jr., 51, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2003, at home after a short battle with cancer. Friends may join in a celebration of Rich’s life 7-10 PM, Tuesday, October 21 at Fox & Hound Grill, 19210 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Rich was born June 29, 1952 to Richard Sr. and Carolyn Ray, in Chicago, IL. He moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1952 where he lived and attended school until moving with his family to Lee’s Summit, MO in 1967. He attended Lee’s Summit High School, graduating in 1971. Rich played lead guitar for a number of local bands, traveling the country extensively before settling into music sales management with Worldwide Music and Monster Music. In January 2003, he opened Rich Ray Music and was known by many as a knowledgeable, conscientious businessman and friend to musicians of all kinds. Rich is preceded in death by his father, Richard L. Ray, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Ray of Independence, MO; sister Karen Wilson and brother in law Jerry and nephews, Chris and Andrew of Independence, MO; sister, Danna Guffey and brother in law Ed of Independence, MO; brother, Chris Ray of Maumelle, AR. He will be missed by his family and good friends in the music world and especially his extended family, Brenda Everhart and her son, Jeremy Harrell & two daughters.