Douglas Ray, age 68, of Atlantic, IA, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE.
Douglas Harold Ray was born on August 11, 1955, in Creston, Iowa, to parents Harold “Shorty” Ray and Shirley Johnson Ray. He grew up in the Grant, Elliott, and Griswold areas and graduated from Griswold High School in 1974. After completing high school, he started working as a semi-truck driver for local businesses. He worked for American Buildings & Walnut Grove and also hauled grain and livestock for farmers in the area. Later, Doug joined Henningsen Construction as a semi driver and retired after working there for 27 years. Doug was a skilled driver who was known for keeping his truck and equipment clean. He had a reputation for being particular about the vehicles he drove and maintaining high cleanliness standards both at work and home.
Doug married Mary Barnholdt on August 12, 1989, and became a blended family of eight with four sons, Mary’s daughter, and a son. Doug was a big fan of NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace and Chase Elliott and loved cheering for the Las Vegas Raiders and Oklahoma Sooners. He had deep farming roots and preferred John Deere’s iconic green and yellow. Doug was a lifelong Ford owner until his son convinced him to buy a RAM truck, which he was very proud of. In his retirement, Doug and Mary enjoyed camping with family and friends. He was also a member of the Marne Iowa Grove Masonic Lodge #492.
Doug is survived by his wife, Mary of Atlantic; sons, Ryan (Alice) Ray of Atlantic, Draper (Angie) Ray of Bettendorf, Garsten (Angie) Ray of Atlantic, daughter Carrie Winston, of Atlantic; son Jason Albert of Atlantic; grandchildren Spencer Ray, Brynna Ray, Carson Ray, Holland Ray, Jacob Albert, Eric Albert, Ashlynn Albert, Bridgett Wetrich, Gabby Millhollin; three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Frank & Vera Ray, James Johnson, and I. Lucille Johnson; son, Courtney Ray; his sister, Debra Jo Glover; son-in-law Wynn Winston; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Masonic Service will take place at 2:00 p.m., followed by a visitation with the family till 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.
The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA. Interment will take place following the service at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis, IA. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the reception hall of the Schmidt Family Funeral Home.
Memorials may be directed to the Doug Ray Family, to be designated at a later date. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.
Services are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.
