Garry Dee Ray

Garry Dee Ray

December 3, 1967 – September 1, 2026

Garry Dee Ray, lovingly known as “Ray Ray,” passed away on September 1, 2026, at the age of 58. Originally from Lansing, Michigan, Garry made his home in Stockbridge, Michigan.

If you knew Garry, chances are he made you laugh.

He had the kind of personality that could light up a room, usually with a joke, a funny story, or something completely unexpected. He had a heart of gold and was kind, compassionate, adventurous, and incredibly talented. Garry was simply one of those people you never forgot.

Garry had an adventurous streak from a young age. He raced and was part of a BMX trick team, which seems perfectly fitting for someone who would go on to love fast cars, motorcycles, Jeeps, and anything else that offered a little excitement.

He was an amazing self-taught mechanic, mechanically gifted in a way that was hard to explain unless you witnessed it firsthand. Garry could learn something once and somehow become a master at it. Mechanics, welding, electrical work, body work, painting—he could do it all. He had an incredible ability to understand how things worked and a natural talent for creating and working with his hands.

Garry painted and did the bodywork on his own motorcycle and crafted knives from recycled materials. He had a gift for looking at something and seeing not only how it worked, but what it could become.

During the years he lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, Garry loved taking his Jeep off-roading through the mountains and desert. He loved the desert—the freedom, ruggedness, and wide-open spaces seemed to fit his adventurous spirit perfectly.

Music was another big part of Garry's life. He played electric guitar and drums and had his own drum studio where he loved to practice and work on his music.

And then there were the animals.

Garry had a genuine love affair with animals, but dogs held a particularly large place in his heart. His beloved Chopper King wasn't simply his dog; he was his companion and friend, and he will surely miss his person. Julie shared Garry's love for animals and had many on her farm. She helped him get over his fear of horses. He loved being outside in nature as much as he could.

Garry is survived by his parents, Gary Ray (partner Debbie) and Gloria Ray; his sisters, Gana (Dean) Wilson and Gennie Ray; his daughters, Lindsey (Danny) Zajac and Zoe Wolf; his grandchildren, Paisley and Cooper Grant Zajac; his nieces, Ayiana Rushlow and Kassiah Ray; his nephews, Nathaneal and Ian Wilson; his partner, Julie Johnson

Garry loved his daughters, Lindsey and Zoe, with all his heart, and being their dad was a part of his life he treasured deeply. That love grew with the next generation when he became “Bumpa.” The name had a special family history: as a child, Garry called his own Grandpa Jay “Bumpa,” and the name stuck. His kids called his dad Bumpa. Years later, when Garry became a grandfather himself, Bumpa became his name too—a sweet tradition carried from one generation to the next.

Garry was so happy when Lindsey married Danny and was proud to welcome him into the family. He had a genuine love and respect for his son-in-law and was grateful for the man his daughter had chosen to share her life with.

Garry also shared a special bond with his brother-in-law, Dean. Over the years, the two became much more than brothers-in-law—they were like brothers, sharing plenty of adventures, stories, laughter, and memories along the way.

To his nieces and nephews, Garry was lovingly known as “Uncle TT.” Ayiana, Kassiah, Nathaneal, and Ian loved their Uncle TT with all of their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Gina Ray, and his grandparents, Marcos and Maria Olivas, and Junior D. and Esther Ray.

There is a bittersweet ending to Garry's story. Just one day after his passing, his grandson, Cooper Grant Zajac, was born. As our family said goodbye to one precious life, we welcomed another. In the midst of our sadness, Cooper's arrival was a beautiful reminder that life continues and that the love and stories of one generation are carried into the next.

Garry worked throughout his life in supply-chain positions involving electrical parts, tools, and machinery—work well suited to a man who understood how things worked and loved working with his hands.

More than anything, Garry will be remembered for who he was and how he made people feel. He made us laugh, kept us entertained with his stories, and brought his own unmistakable energy wherever he went.

There will be so many things that remind us of him—the sound of a motorcycle, a favorite song, the desert he loved, a dog at someone's side, or simply a story that starts with, “Remember when Garry…”

 

Those stories will be told for years to come, with laughter mixed in with the tears. We will miss his humor, his stories, his big heart, and simply knowing he was there. Life will be different without him, but the love we have for Garry and the memories we made with him will always remain.

As difficult as it is to say goodbye, we find comfort in believing Garry is safe and at peace, with his sister Gina waiting for him on the other side.

We love you, Garry. You will be missed more than words can say and remembered always.

 

Garry will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, allowing Lindsey time to recover and enjoy these precious first days with baby Cooper before our family gathers together to remember and celebrate him.