Michael Eugene Ray

Michael Eugene Ray, 64, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away July 14, 2019. He was born September 15, 1954 in Bedford, Indiana to the late Roy Eugene (Gene) and Mary Jean Ray. He is survived by his sons, Jason Michael and Devin William; his brother, Robert (Bob) Ray, his sister, Susie Hansen and her husband, Pat (also known as his mother Mary’s 4th son). He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe. It was clear early on that he had an interest in sports. When he was in the 1st grade, instead of coming straight home from school (yes, children walked to school in those days), he stopped at the local Boys’ Club to play basketball. His dad found him there and signed him up for a membership. His early years continued to be filled with football, basketball and baseball, making several appearances on the Irvington Little League All Star team. When his family moved to Indianapolis in 1965, as a 6th grader, Mike expressed his disappointment that he had just been appointed a traffic guard at his school. He was concerned that he would not have that opportunity in his new school. Apparently, information was exchanged between schools and he was appointed a traffic guard on his first day at his new school. He proudly wore his white safety belt and badge. He soon found what would be a life long talent, playing pool. Growing up in Irvington, he sharpened his skills at Mr. and Mrs. Cue on East Washington Street. In his early days, one of his major sources of income was hustling pool. He said it was easy, “just dress like a bum so your opponent will think you don’t know your game.” He would go on to receive the 1996 Valley National 8-Ball League Association (VNEA) 50 Zip Perfect Match Award, 1st place in the 1993 and 1994 VNEA International Championships in Men’s 8-Ball and 1st place in the 2014 VNEA World Pool Championships in Men’s Intermediate 9-Ball Singles Division. While not greatly interested in school, he was one of those kids who could pass the test without cracking open a book. He graduated from Howe High School in 1972. While he had several jobs, including a short stint at Ford Motor Company with his Dad, brother and brother-in-law, it wasn’t until 1985 that he found his true calling. Mike was a proud 30-year member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local No. 30. He would tell anyone who asked that he never “worked” at his job; he was a perfect example of someone who made a career out of doing something he loved. He put his talents to use in many local venues, including Market Square Arena, Starlight Musicals, Clowes Memorial Hall, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium. For many years, he worked the annual Yuletide Celebration at the Circle Theatre; he said this event was his favorite. He was privileged to work Super Bowl XLVI (2012) in Indianapolis and proudly displayed his Pre-Event and Game Day credentials. He also traveled to Detroit to work during Super Bowl XL (2006). He worked numerous concerts and was always happy to talk about musicians and other performers he had met or watched from back stage. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was particularly fond of mushroom hunting. Even this year, he told of finding one juicy morel mushroom in his yard and frying it up for breakfast. He was always quick to express his pride in his boys, Jason and Devin. He followed Jason as he played basketball during high school and college at Indiana University East. He was quick to remind people that Jason also obtained his master’s degree. Mike was amazed by Devin’s intelligence and his ability to figure things out. He often described Devin as “the smartest person in the room.” Mike’s family and friends will remember and celebrate his life at Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel at 5377 East Washington Street, Indianapolis on Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. No need for fancy clothes, just come as you are. Weekend wear appropriate and appreciated.

Tributes

Michael Eugene Ray

September 15, 1954 - July 14, 2019