H. Wayne Ray

Horace Wayne Ray entered the gates of heaven on Friday, March 20, 2026, after a brief period in palliative care at Countryside Living in Anderson, Indiana.

Wayne was born on August 12, 1943, to Horace and Neeley Ray in Orlinda, Tennessee. He graduated from Ben Davis High School and carried the values of hard work, kindness, and service with him throughout his life.

In the summer of 1970, Wayne met the love of his life, Beverly Johnson. They married that October at Speedway Baptist Church and joyfully blended their families in Oaklandon, Indiana. Beverly went to be with Jesus on January 22, 2023, after 53 years of devoted marriage.

During their more than 30 years in Oaklandon, Wayne and Bev became members of Lawrence Church of the Nazarene, where Wayne began his many ministries. His service started with the bus ministry, faithfully transporting children to and from church every Sunday. He became well‑known for his “Two Sundays in a Row” candy box—a simple box filled with candy bars that rewarded anyone who attended two Sundays consecutively. It was a small gesture that brought big smiles.

In 1979, Wayne and Bev transferred to Fortville Church of the Nazarene, where they remained members for the next three decades and formed lifelong friendships. Wayne continued his bus ministry and also served as a church‑league softball and basketball coach, participated in mission trips, and served as head usher. His heart for service touched countless lives.

Wayne retired from Best Lock Corporation in the summer of 2008 after more than 25 years of dedicated work. Following retirement, he and Bev fulfilled one of their dreams by moving to North Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed 14 wonderful years together.

Wayne loved fishing, bowling, golfing, going on cruises, mowing his lawn, and watching or playing a wide variety of sports. But above all, his greatest joy was his family. His selfless care—especially for his beloved wife, who jokingly suffered from a “terrible case of princess syndrome” thanks to his tender devotion—was unwavering. He continuously went above and beyond for those he loved.

Wayne is survived by his daughters Debra Waterbury (Michael), Lori Bostic (Tim), and Julie Goodman (Edward). He leaves behind grandchildren Jeremy Waterbury (Andrea), Brandon Waterbury (Christina), Steven Waterbury (Sarah), Anthony Bostic, Aaron Stephenson (Megan), and Elizabeth Wise; great‑grandchildren Norah, Clara, Tori, Maggie, Daniel, Gabriel, Calvin, and Lindsey; and great‑great‑granddaughter Amelia. Each of them carries a piece of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; his brother James Ray; his sister Shirley Mitchell; his daughter Tami Stephenson; and his grandsons Marcus Bostic and Eddie Goodman.

In honor of Wayne’s love for Hawaiian shirts, all who attend his service are warmly invited to wear one in celebration of his joyful spirit.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at the Fortville Church of the Nazarene, 701 S. Maple Street, Fortville, with Pastor Phil Edwards officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. at the church. Burial will be in Gravel Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Fortville Church of the Nazarene.