Ray graduated from Hannibal High School in 1957. He graduated from Cornell University in 1961, with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. At Cornell, Ray played 150-pound Sprint Football and was active in Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity and Reserve Officer Training Corp. Upon graduation from Cornell, Ray was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Ray began his Air Force career at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas, followed by navigator training at Mather Air Force Base in California. Ray was then assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While stationed at Kirtland, Ray flew B-47s and B-52s as part of the Air Force Special Weapons Center.

Ray married Kathleen Hawke of Auburn, California on June 20, 1964. Brenda was born in Albuquerque in 1967. Ray was then stationed in Thailand for one year, followed by an assignment to Holloman AFB in New Mexico. where Kevin was born in 1971. Ray was reassigned to Mather AFB in California in 1972. He was reassigned to Hill AFB, Utah in 1976. Ray also had assignments to Germany and Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. Ray retired from active duty in 1983, and he and the family continued to live in Utah.

Ray is survived by his wife Kathy, and his children, Brenda Tall (Joe Vaninetti) of Grants Pass, Oregon and Kevin Tall (Tara Kolapdara) of Hooper, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gordon Tall (Mary).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.at Community United Methodist Church, 163 W 4800 S, Washington Terrace (Ogden), Utah. A reception will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Commemorative Air Force.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com