For many years, Ray LaVay wrote here as J.J. Ray. He eventually left to work with Pen-N-Sword until his health declined. Ray passed away last week at the age of 80.
Here is his obituary:
Raymond Anthony LaVay, Jr., 80, Muscle Shoals, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia with Truman Sutton and Wendall Oliver officiating.
Ray was a veteran of the US Air Force. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cathy LaVay.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Linda LaVay; children, Joey Barger, Rachel LaVay, Theresa LaVay; Ray LaVay, III, Shawn LaVay, and Mike Lefan; sister, Debbie Brown; grandchildren, Tyler LaVay, Makenize LaVay; Alyssa LaVay; Donovan LaVay; Damien Fowlkes, Harley Willowford, Haley Rich, Madison Mears, Payton Lanier, Trey Cox, Jonathan Cox, Aaron Aday, and Caleb Vindelicto; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and bonus children.
The family offers special thanks to Angela Sparks, the staff of Helen Keller Hospital, and Dr. Lynn Ridgeway.