Recie J. Ray died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at River Region Medical Center. He was 82.

Mr. Ray was a native of Columbia, La., and served in the Navy during World War II. He was a retired installer for AT&T after 38 years. He was of the Methodist faith and a member of W.H. Stevens Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Fannie Gurley Ray; and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Frances Boler Ray of Vicksburg; a daughter, Sonia Ray Bess of Wellington, Colo.; a son, Bill Ray of Bryant, Ark.; and three grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Reggie Crawford officiating. Visitation will be from noon Saturday until the hour of the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Johnnie Nosser Jr., Jeff Bess, Al Cannada, Heath Cannada, Buddy Strickland and Brian Strickland.

Honorary pallbearers will be AT&T co-workers.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.