Obituary of David Lee Ray

David Lee Ray was born on October 5, 1943, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Milton Ray and Rita (Discoe) Ray. He died of natural causes at his home in Tacoma, Washington, on July 26, 2018.

Dave lived in the Lincoln District of Tacoma for 21 years. Before that, he resided in Olympia, Washington, for 30 years. His childhood home was in Sommerset, Massachusetts. Dave graduated from Sommerset High School in 1961, where he started his drum career. He attended Brown University in Boston, Massachusetts, as a percussionist. He joined Saint Martin’s College in Lacey, Washington, where he studied general courses and performed in the college band. Finally, he graduated from The Evergreen State College, Olympia, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Soil Physics and Hydrology.

Dave married Emily Horne in 1965 at Oakton, Virginia. They had two children, Joshua and Sarah. His second marriage was to Colleen Jollie in 1978 in Olympia. He adopted her daughter, Bridget.

Dave was an Army veteran, having served a tour of duty in Germany during the Viet Nam era; he was then assigned to Fort Lewis. He made his home in Olympia after leaving the Army.

Dave was a consummate musician, a professional drummer for 40 years. He played percussion in every style from theater performances to classical, jazz, big band, rock and roll, blue grass and country. His fans may remember him best from his days with the Mud Bay Blues Band or the Cliff Dwellers in the 1970s. He took pride in being a “back up man” and providing solid rhythm for the stars up front.

Dave also worked for 13 years as a Public Health Officer for Lewis County then Thurston County Health Departments. He left the Department in 1983 to open his own company in Tacoma, doing business as Dave Ray & Associates, which he operated right up to his death.  He was affectionately known as “Dr. Dirt,” as he could make “a parking lot perc.” He worked all over Pierce County doing septic system designs for major housing developments, single family residences, restaurants, nursing homes and schools. He was a true public servant and ardent environmentalist even as he worked in the private sector.

Every aspect of life held Dave’s interest.  In addition to music, he loved geology, the arts, photography, antiques, history, literature, nature. His family gave his life meaning. Since his passing, many friends, nieces and nephews said he was their father figure. Dave loved his relationships. He became like family to his many friends, clients and employees.

Dave is survived by his son, Joshua, daughter-in-law, Julie, and their children, Gavin and Nicolette; his daughter, Sarah, and her two children, Ke’Jana and Elijah; and, his daughter, Bridget, and her son, Maxwell.  He maintained a caring friendship with both ex-wives, Emily Horne Ray and Colleen Jollie (Ray). They described themselves as a “blended extended family of the ‘70s” and shared most holidays and special occasions together.

He was preceded in death by his father, Milton, and mother, Rita, who passed when Dave was only three years old. He was raised by his Gram, Marion Discoe. Dave’s Gram, his brother, Steve, and his sister, Linda, all preceded him to join their ancestors. Those left to mourn take great comfort in the belief that their spiritual family reunion is filled with great music and lots of ice cream.