Barry Thomas Ray, Sr. of Tavares, FL passed away on October 12, 2022, at The Mike Conley Cornerstone Hospice House in Clermont, Florida. Barry was born October 28, 1947, in Canton, Georgia. In 1968 he began his career with Orange County Public Schools and retired with 37 years of service. He spent a brief amount of time working in the private sector before taking on the task of building a new home for himself and his wife. He then decided that retirement did not suit him and started a career with Sherwin-Williams as a delivery driver. He achieved 10 years of service with them. His managers and co-workers were his second family and each one held a special place in his heart.

His hobbies included working and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a hardworking man who was dedicated to his family. His grandsons were his pride and joy and his love for them was unmatched. Anyone that knew him will remember his work ethic, straightforward attitude, quick wit, and humor. He loved nothing more than making a joke with a serious tone and waiting for the crowd to catch on.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Candy of Tavares, FL; children, Sherri Walker (Charles) of Tavares,FL. and Barry Ray, Jr. of Tavares, FL; daughter by choice, Kim Roberts (Chip) of St. Augustine, FL; grandsons, Caleb and Jacob Walker of Tavares, FL; sister, Patricia Young (Eric) of Lakeland, FL and cousin, Phillip Stephens (Sue) of Ball Ground, GA, who was like a brother to him. He is survived by nieces, nephews,
and two brothers-in-law; Ross Limerick (Linda) of Orlando, FL and Billy Thacker of Tennessee. He is also survived by many cousins that he knew his entire life and many newfound cousins from the Cheshire family.

Barry is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Angela; mother, Lucile Ray Hopper; dad, Edward Hopper; father, Charlie Cheshire; sisters, Sally Oder and Deborah Ellinghausen and brother, Farris Cheshire.

The family will receive friends on October 19, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home, 1800 N. Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL with funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. with Pastor Charles Walker officiating. Graveside service will follow immediately in Oak Hill Cemetery, 801 East Ave, Clermont FL.