Kenton Eugene Ray, 83, of McConnelsville, died at 10:49 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, at Emeritus in Zanesville surrounded by family and friends.

Being a lifelong resident, he was born January 24, 1928 in Bristol Township to Carrie Warne and Clark Omar Ray.

He was a graduate of M-M High School in McConnelsville. Kenton lived with his mother on the farm after his father died and kept the family farm going until he went to work for his brother-in-law, Harold Fuller in the lumber business.

On June 15, 1951, he married Barbara Smith. In 1953, he began a 32- year career at Central Ohio Coal Company where he retired. He began as a real estate salesman with Ray McGregor in 1969 and later got his broker's license and opened his Real Estate Office at 141 E. Main Street, McConnelsville, where he retired after 40 years of real estate. He enjoyed the real estate business and all of his friends downtown.

He was the father of three daughters, Brenda (Jim) Bunch of Banning, CA; Janice (Larry) Chapman of Zanesville; and Karen Ray of Kissimmee, FL; two granddaughters, Alyssa (Steven) Yancy of Decatur, TX, and Kayla Chapman of Oxford, OH; three grandsons, Brian (Missy) Foreman of Davidson, NC; Clint (Kim) Foreman of Malta, and Joshua (Nicole) Aber of Muncie, IN.

He is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Kim and Jon Bunch of Irvine, CA; three great-grandsons, Hunter Foreman, Collin and Caleb Aber; and step-great-grandchildren, Adelle and Jack Bunch; and many nieces and nephews and his faithful golden retriever, Foxy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his seven siblings, Forest Fuller, Mary Ray, Helen Ray Carpenter, Christine Ray Embree, Louise Ray Barnhouse, Roberta (Bill) Ray Larrick, Samuel Ray, and grandson, Bradley Foreman.

Kenton was a member of the Malta United Methodist Church, and Morgan Camera Club. He was past president of Rotary and Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, United Mine Workers Assoc., Farm Bureau, and the Morgan County Historical Society.

He loved to attend auto shows where he proudly displayed his 1957 Buick. His father's love of horses carried over to him and he was active in local horse activities from showing horses to going to harness racing. He was a loving husband and father and enjoyed his children and grandchildren.

His life revolved around his family and his faithful canine companion, Foxy. He never hesitated to support the schools, the Fair 4-H program and other activities in the community. He loved Morgan High School sports as well as being a huge Buckeye fan. He followed his grandchildren's sports activities as well.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Miller-Huck Funeral Home in McConnelsville. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Malta United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Bentley officiating.

Burial will be in McConnelsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Malta United Methodist Church in Malta or Genesis Hospice, 731 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.miller-huck.com.