Benjamin Lee Ray

Benjamin Lee Ray was born January 19, 1948, in Columbia, South Carolina.  He was the beloved son of the late Bennie Lee and Willie Mae Rawls Ray.  He departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

“Baby Ray”, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Richland County where he attended Saxon Elementary, Benson Middle School and then Booker T. Washington High School where he graduation in the Class of 1968.  He continued his education and attended Benedict College.  He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1969, serving his country in the Vietnam War. 

After receiving an Honorable Discharge, and returning to Columbia, he was employed with Ashford Chemical Company as a long-distance truck driver for more than 10 years.  He was later promoted to the Ashford Chemical Company Warehouse where he worked as a forklift driver.   He retired after 22 years of dedicated service. Though he is no longer physically with us, his loving and kind spirit will forever live in the hearts and lives of all who loved and knew him.

Benjamin was also preceded in death by his wife, Jeannie Johnson Ray; a son, Benjamin Lee Ray, Jr.; and his brother, Willie Jean Rawls.

Those who will forever cherish fond and precious memories of Benjamin are his caring son, Mark Antawon Ray; his special cousins, Mack (Cynthia) McKenzie, Pamela Moten, Maxine Long and Debra Porterfield, all of Columbia, South Carolina; a host of nephews, nieces, and other loving relatives, all of whom will dearly miss him.

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