OXFORD — James Robert “Bobby” Ray, 73, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven.

Born in Helena, Arkansas, he had lived in the Oxford area for 43 years. He worked for many years as a butcher with Kroger before becoming self-employed as the owner of Sunflower Grocery Store. For 10 years he had worked as a butcher at Walmart. He was a member and a deacon at North Oxford Baptist Church, a Gideon and a Mason. He enjoyed his love of Jesus, spending time with Miss Ella, working in the yard, reading and  studying the Bible, and his church.

Visitation will be today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, 601 Commerce Parkway, Oxford. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Coleman Funeral Home with Dr. Gary Richardson officiating. Interment  will be in the North Oxford Baptist Church Cemetery. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Ella Ray of Oxford; a son, Rob Ray of Oxford; a daughter, Amy Ray Wilkins of Oxford; a sister, Deane Cavette of Marion, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Kimberly Wilkins, Emily Wilkins, Alex Wilkins, Jacob Wilkins, and Samuel Thomas, all of Oxford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Loma Ray and a brother, Hubert Ray.

Memorials may be made to the North Oxford Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 1700, Oxford, MS 38655. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.