Charles E. Ray

Charles Edward Ray, 82, of Seekonk Street in Norfolk died on Saturday, April 10, 2010 in his home. He was a lifelong Norfolk resident. He was born in Norwood on February 11, 1928, son of the late William T. and Lillian (Callahan) Ray. He graduated from Walpole High School. Charlie served in the United States Army near the end of the Second World War. An avid sportsman, he played baseball on the Army team, where he was a pitcher of some note. He was a retired sergeant on the Norfolk Police Department, having served the town for nearly 30 years. Charlie always chose to work the night shifts so that his days could be devot­ed to coaching his sons in baseball. He had also worked as a bus driver for W.T. Holmes Transportation Company in Norfolk.

In later years he took up golf, and he enjoyed playing in the Norfolk Golf League. He and his son Tom even won the league championship one year.

He loved his town, and enjoyed the Centen­nial festivities back in 1970. During those events he was recognized as the Master of Centennial Security, something that he very much appreci­ated. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed fishing and gardening. His staples in the garden were corn and tomatoes.

He was the former husband of the late Ar­lene C. (Parkinson) Ray.

He was the proud father of five sons: Chris­topher Ray of Cranston, Rhode Island, Thomas R. Ray of Norfolk, Robert T. Ray of Norfolk, and the late Charles “Chuck” Ray and Steven Ray. He was the dear brother of L. Elizabeth “Betty” Ray of Norfolk and the late Dorothy Sanborn, Jack Ray, and William Ray. He was the devoted grandfather of Steven Ray of Franklin and Daniel and Alison Ray of Cranston, Rhode Island. Funeral arrangements were handled by R.J. Ross Funeral Home in Wrentham. A graveside service was held Thursday, April 15 at Norfolk Cemetery in Norfolk, with the Reverend Scott Cousineau, minister of the Federated Church of Norfolk, officiating. Donations in his memory may be made to the Operation Comfort Warriors, c\o Wren­tham American Legion, Post 225, P.O. Box 314, Wrentham, Mass. 02093.