Horace W. Ray Jr.

Horace W. “Buddy” Ray, Jr. passed peacefully on February 8, 2023, at the age of 89. Buddy had been a resident of Naples since 1995 coming from Toledo, OH. Buddy was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1933 to Henrietta and Horace Wilson Ray. He attended school in Wilmington but spent many summers on family farms in Maryland. He attended Pierre S. DuPont High school and played varsity basketball and baseball. He then entered the University of Delaware to study architecture and play basketball. However, in 1954 a VHF television station went on the air in Wilmington, WDEL-TV, and he was lucky enough to get a job as a stagehand. He fell in love with the entertainment business and worked very hard to rise in that industry. Over the next 37 years, he worked for Storer Broadcasting Co., and performed countless jobs in television, including directing, producing live TV shows, film production, news and sports production, sales, and management. He managed Storer’s syndicated production company in New York City for two years, and then was elected Vice President of Storer Broadcasting and appointed General Manager of Atlanta’s WAGA television station. In 1970, he transferred to Toledo, Ohio to manage the WTVG television station. In 1987 he was elected President of WTVG, Inc. and the Lee Broadcasting Company. Buddy retired in 1990. During his career, he was also able to use his love of architecture and design; while he managed the stations in Atlanta and Toledo, he had the responsibility for the design and management of new broadcasting buildings. He also designed and built his retirement home in Naples, Florida. Buddy enjoyed Florida retirement. He was an active member at Collier’s Reserve Country Club and an avid golfer. He enjoyed playing cards and games and solving puzzles. He was an incredibly detailed woodworker, creating numerous model ships and dollhouses. An athlete to the end, he was competitive at cornhole even to his last months. His fighting spirit will always be remembered. He was preceded in death in 2013 by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Ray, his son, David Ray, and his sisters Betty Huda and Grace Ray. He is survived by his children Lisa Larsen (Al), Howie Ray (Lisa), Gary Ray, Alyson Ray Rutberg (Neil), nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Buddy’s memory can be made to Avow Hospice Foundation 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. To sign his guest register or to leave condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Horace W. Ray Jr.

August 13, 1933 - February 8, 2023