Paul Keith Ray, 59, of Florence, Alabama, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 5, 2016. Born to Gerry and Edward Ray on January 3, 1957, Paul was a native of Florence, specifically the Edgemont/Hermitage neighborhood where his early days were spent in cheerful abandon with family and friends. Upon graduating from Bradshaw High School in 1975, Paul remained in Florence to continue his education at the University of North Alabama. After receiving his BA degree in Music in 1980, Paul spread his proverbial wings with moves to Chattanooga, Charleston, Nashville, and Virginia Beach accumulating a treasure trove of friends and memories along the way.
Beginning his professional career in 1985 with the Walgreens Corporation, Paul worked his way up from trainee to district manager in a career that spanned 30 years and many cities. Devoted to his friends and colleagues, Paul was a fixture within the Walgreens community including the company''s charitable partnerships, particularly The American Diabetes Association where he spearheaded funding efforts to bring about awareness and end diabetes. Paul''s philanthropic contributions and service to others was a testament to his impeccable integrity and character.
After a lengthy assignment in Nashville, Tennessee, Paul was positioned as the district manger of the Norfolk and Virginia Beach area Walgreens in 2003. But it was his retirement in 2013 which brought him back to his beloved Florence, purchasing his dream home, a 1920''s bungalow, in the heart of historic Wood Avenue. It was there Paul spent his retirement in idyllic terms with friends, family, gatherings, and walks on Wood Avenue and the surrounding UNA campus. His retirement also afforded him the opportunity to indulge in vacations, Tennessee Titans'' season passes, and of course, Alabama football. But most of all, Paul found a church home in Christ Chapel where he was an active participant and occasional worship leader. A love of Jesus filled his heart and a passion for others filled his days.
Paul''s positivity and endearing demeanor were at the forefront of a life spent in service, generosity, and humility. Caring for people and cultivating friendships is what he did best. It could be said that his friends were his family, and his family were his friends. With a warm personality and a quick wit, Paul welcomed the world around him. A stranger, he never met. Easily a favorite of all who knew him, Paul will be missed, greatly, by many.
Paul is survived by brothers, Gary Ray, of Florence, Alabama, Lynn Ray and wife, Anne Ray, of Florence, Alabama; sister, Deborah Ray, of Florence, Alabama and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Among his close friends whom he considered family were Kim Davis and Esta Caira, of Clarksville, Tennessee; Frances and Woody Sanders, of Hampton, Virginia; Barbara Davis, the late Bill Davis and the late Elizabeth Harris, of Newport News, Virginia; Larkin, Roslyn, Will and Lila Davis , also of Newport News, Virginia; and Amy Bixler, of Hockessin, Delaware.
A memorial service honoring Paul''s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2016, at Elkins Funeral Home on Hermitage Drive in Florence. The Rev. Bobby Gourly will officiate. A time of visitation will begin an hour prior at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the American Diabetes Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson''s Research.