Auburn – Richard Bert Ray, 69, a resident of Quaker Ridge Road in Greene, went home to be with his Lord, Thursday afternoon, June 28, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin in Auburn, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 16, 1937, in Greene, the son of Ralph and Grace (Smith) Ray, the second oldest of five children. He attended the one room Lane School and Pattern School in Greene, as well as Lewiston High School. On Jan. 25, 1958, he married the former Pauline Dionne of Lewiston; they later divorced. He was employed for 30 years by the Soule Glass Co., where he became contract supervisor.

On June 5, 1982, he married the former Sharon (Footman) Burgess, also of Greene. The Rays owned and operated the Greene Hardware Store from 1987 to 2001. He lived all his life in Greene and served his community in several capacities, including the Budget Committee, the Thompson Committee and two terms on the Board of Selectmen. He was a member of the Greene Baptist Church, where he spent many hours in labors of love as a trustee.

He was loved by all that knew him and was always happy to help anyone in need. His most enjoyable times were spent with his children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He loved the outdoors, gardening, traveling and socializing with friends.

He is survived by his widow, Sharon, of Greene; a son, Bertrand Ray and his wife, Maureen, of Greene; a daughter, Linda Ouellette of Greene; two stepdaughters, Melanie Arnold and her husband, David, of Leeds, and Becky Penley and her husband, Troy, of Greene; two brothers, Roland Ray and his wife, Lorraine, and Vern Ray and his wife, Evelyn, of Greene; a sister, Janice Bachelder and her husband, Earl, of Friendship; and nine grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Grace; and an infant sister, Shirley Ray.

Richard’s family would like to extend their appreciation for the passionate care he received from Dr. Roger Austin and staff at the Hospice House of Androscoggin.