Louis "Dale" Ray, Sr., 72, of Blackhawk, MS, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at his residence. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 22, 2026 3:00 p.m. at Hill View Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church. Burial will follow in Hill View Stone Cemetery.  Rev. David Bartlett will officiate the services.

Mr. Ray was born on October 11, 1953, in Lexington, MS, to Vernon "Rube" Ray and Sarah Bell Goodwin Ray. He resided in Holmes and Carroll County all his life. He was a member of Hillview Baptist Church. He worked for the Leflore County Construction Unit 20 years then went to MDOT for 12 years before retiring in 1995. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, flea markets, and woodworking. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Vernon "Rube" Ray, mother, Sarah Ray, and two infant brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Janette Ray of Blackhawk, MS; son, Louis "Dale" Ray, Jr., (Wendy) of Duck Hill, MS; daughter, Suzanne Michelle Saucier (Burt) of Blackhawk, MS; sister, Joyce Conner of Sidon, MS; brothers, Charles Ray (Rita) of AR; Steve "Bubba" Ray (Mary) of Yazoo City, MS; grandchildren, Jacob Allen Myers, Alexis Michelle Myers, Braxton Ray Myers, and Kaitlyn Grace Ray.

Pallbearers will be his nephews Will Conner, Justin Ray, Charlie Ray, Jimmy Ray, Jason Conner, George Conner, JP Holly, and Josh Conner.

The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Stephanie Myers, the employees of Tyler Holmes Clinic in Kilmichael, MS, and the staff of Gentiva Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Hillview Baptist Church Children's Ministry.