AUGUSTA — Lawrence J. Ray, 92, formerly of 219 Summer St., Auburn, died Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Maine Veterans’ Homes of Augusta. Born in Lewiston on Dec. 2, 1924, he was the son of Lawrence and Lillian Morse Ray Sr. Educated in local schools, he was a veteran of World War II, joining the Army Air Corps at the age of 17. He served in both B-24 and B-17 bombers as a ball turret gunner, and survived 26 missions over occupied Europe. After the war, he returned home and worked for many years as a hand sewer in the local shoe industry retiring in 1990.

On June 20, 1946, he married the former Frances P. DuPont, and they made their home on Summer Street in Auburn. Mrs. Ray passed away in 2003. Lawrence was an avid outdoorsman and loved animals, camping and hunting. He also loved to eat breakfast and socialize with the staff and patrons on a daily basis at Roy’s Steakhouse in Auburn.

He is survived by two sons, Richard Ray of Riviera Beach, Fla., and Scott Ray and wife, Sharon of Lewiston; a daughter, Patricia Ray of Lewiston; grandchildren, James, Dustin and his wife, Amy and their two daughters, Macie and Myla, and Kari Ellery her husband, William, their two children, Alexia and Jacob; grandson, Gunnery Sergeant Dylan Theberge and his wife, Kassaundra, and their three daughters, Victoria, Madiline and Trinity; his two nieces; and many cousins. Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a daughter, Cathy Ray; a sister, Dorothy Norman; and a daughter-in-law, Deb Harrison. Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.

Lawrence J. Ray