Otis Grady "Shorty" Ray

Otis Grady Ray passed away at this home on January 14, 2007, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old. He was the grandson of Henry & Mittie Ray who came to this area in the late 1890’s and were one of the largest landowners as well as stockholders in the Exchange Bank of Sycamore. His parents were Henry Grady “Hal” Ray and Martha Smith. Mr. Ray was preceded in death by four siblings, Otha R. Edwards, Serepta R. Pinkerton, Havious Ray and Vernon Ray who died in infancy. He is survived by one sister, Francis Marie Dayton, of North Carolina.

“Shorty” as he was called by friends, was educated at Sycamore School. He served two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps. When offered a promotion to a supervisory position, he declined to return to his home in Sycamore to farm. He married Frances McCard in 1940. To this marriage were born three children, Cheryl “Cherry”, Henry “Buddy” and Tim Ray. He was a faithful caregiver for his wife Frances who died in 1984. He later married Ruth Baker who resides in Ashburn.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Ray Trevelyan and her husband, Eric of Tifton; Henry Ray and his wife Linda, of Sycamore, and Tim Ray of Sycamore. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Eric Trevelyan, Jr. and his daughter Chelsea; Heather Trevelyan Lindsey and her daughter Mallory, Buffy Ray Lacy and her husband, Bobby and children, Hunter and Emma, Christy Ray James and her sons, Jesse and Noah, and Cody Ray, wife Ashley, and his son Gabe. “Shorty” was especially fond of his great grandchildren who brought their Papa lots of hugs and sloppy kisses and much joy in the time he was confined to his home.

Besides his family, Grady loved working outdoors and he loved Sycamore. He was known for his productive gardening and enjoyed sharing the fruits and vegetables he grew with his neighbors and friends. He especially enjoyed boiling peanuts for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grady was a good neighbor and friend who instilled in his children the importance of doing for others without gain or recognition. He served the City of Sycamore in many capacities beginning in the 1940s. He was a volunteer fireman for 35 years and was instrumental in securing new fire equipment for the city. He served on the City Council beginning in 1952. He was elected Mayor in 1971 and served until 1980 when he resigned to take a position with the County. He was often a first responder to fires and accidents in Turner County and was recognized for his role in an accident with fatalities on I-75 involving a bus of 60 boys from Michigan. He was a longtime meAmber of the Civil Defense and a certified Auxiliary Policeman. He will be remembered for his respect for all people and his faithfulness to a cause.

Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, Sycamore, Ga. at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 16, 2007.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 15, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Chapel.