In Memory

Kyle Ray

Kyle Woodard Ray was born on February 17, 1962 and passed away on January 13, 2024.

[From Brown Funeral Home]

Kyle Woodard Ray departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on January 13, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends and we all rejoice in his ascension.

Kyle’s story begins in his beloved Chipley Florida. He was born on February 17, 1962 in Dothan Alabama to parents Ralph Woodard and Marlene Jordan Ray. Although his military profession would take him far from Chipley, he always made it a priority to come back home to the town and people that made him who he was. After graduating from Chipley High School in 1980, Kyle attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY where upon graduation was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Kyle went on to serve his Country for almost 40 years, both in and out of uniform. The brotherhood established with his West Point classmates and his Army family was a cherished bond in his life.

Kyle often remarked that the best thing to come from his time at West Point was meeting his best friend, soul mate, and wife of over 36 years, Miriam. Together Kyle and Miriam raised two amazing Sons that brought him pride and joy every day.

Kyle graduated from West Point in 1984 and served in various locations around the world, to include Germany, Fort Knox, KY, Fort Rucker, Al, Iraq, South Korea, and Virginia. He began his career as an Armor Officer, but shortly thereafter was accepted to Aviation School and fulfilled a lifelong dream to be an Army helicopter pilot.

Kyle loved people and cherished his family and friendships beyond measure. He loved to tell stories and was never short on providing a “teaching moment” to anyone who listened. He had many interests, but most important to him was always “capturing the moment”, as evidenced by the volumes of pictures and videos he made over the years. Looking through them and recounting their stories brought him much joy. 

Kyle Ray was also a man who made it his daily purpose to connect with people. His quick wit and sense of humor were unparalleled. He never met a stranger and never expected praise nor sought notoriety for his deeds. He simply wanted to be a friend to those he loved and a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior. His kind acts may never be fully recorded and only known to God, but to all who knew him, he lived with a courageous and humble heart.

Kyle is preceded in death by his father, Ralph W. Ray. He is survived by his wife of over 36 years, and the love of his life Miriam Ortega Ray; his mother, Marlene Ray; his sons Geoffrey Ray and Andrew Ray (Monica); his brother Danny Ray (Jenny); his sister Nelda Ray-Smith; granddaughter Alyssa Ray; Sisters-in law Lourdes Spitzer (Roger), Nancy Kuhlmann (Hans); Brother-in-law Alex (Maria) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, Chipley, FL. Funeral service will commence at 2:00 PM, followed by a time of fellowship. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

“And when our work is done, our course on earth is run, may it be said ‘Well done, Be thou at peace’”

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation.

https://www.brownfh.net/obituary/kyle-ray