After his birth in Chicago, Illinois on March 22, 1932, Ray's family moved to Los Angeles, where he spent his childhood. He attended El Camino Community college where he played football and caught the eye of
a scout for Wichita State University. He played football and baseball on scholarship for WSU and graduated with a degree in math and chemistry before enlisting in the US Army upon graduation.
It was at WSU that he met Jean, his wife of 70 years. Together, they enjoyed Ray's Army career. Early on, he was sent to the University of Arizona where he received his master's degree in engineering. This
paved the way for his service in the ordinance branch where he specialized in missiles. He worked with the Nike and Spartan missiles, as well as the ICBM.
Always the life-long learner, he was constantly adding professional initials behind his name and attaining certifications which opened up many proffessional opportunities. After retiring from the military as a Lt.
Col., he was a US laiason for part of NATO in Luxembourg, a project manager for a computer simulation for Desert Storm, and a US representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
He and Jean spent most of their retirement years in Sarasota, Florida. When they weren't traveling the world, they enjoyed kayaking and sailing in Sarasota Bay, looking for turtle nests on the beach, and socializing with their friends from the Military Officers' Association of Sarasota. In winter months, Ray became an prolific woodcarver.
Ray is survived by his daughter Tammy Kraus; his grandson Nathan Kraus; his grandson Daniel Kraus and wife Colleen; and his daughter-in-law Jodi Day.
In lieu of flowers, Ray would like to encourage you to donate to your favorite charity.
To view the obituary for Jean Day, type her name in the search bar.
