BURLINGTON, Mass. — Eric Charles Ray, also known as E. Ray to his friends, was a lifelong resident of New Gloucester. Eric passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Born July 1, 1949, to Ruth and Delbert Ray, Eric was one of 10 children. Eric was known in his youth to be a hell-raiser, but a hard worker. He eventually settled in with the Maine Turnpike Authority, a job from which he retired. After retirement, he worked for the town of New Gloucester and was self-employed for a bit, and later enjoyed working for Eric and Tricia Bowdoin of Bowdoin Excavating.

Eric was an avid deer hunter and NASCAR fan. He loved his friends and family, and was always ready to have a good time. He enjoyed country music and could almost always be found in the middle of the dance floor, cutting the rug. He had a devilish twinkle in his eyes and a permanent grin on his face. Anyone who knew Eric knew he was generous to a fault.

He loved his three boys and took great pride in knowing they all worked hard. In the last four years of his life, Eric met and married Ruth Anne Hewey. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and loved each other. Ruth Anne was Eric’s champion, by his side until the end with care, support and prayers.

Eric is survived by his three sons, Eric Ray Jr., Tony Ray and Brad Ray and their families; and his wife, Ruth Anne and her three children, Shannon Plummer, Harlan Plummer and Becky Sullivan and their families, with a new grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth Bergeron; and many nieces and nephews.

Eric was predeceased by his brother, David Ray; sister, Andrea Foster; and father, Delbert Ray.

Eric C. Ray