Lawrence Earl Ray, 70, of Rolla, formerly of Vienna, was born Nov. 25, 1953, in the state of Illinois, a son of Leslie Earl and Margaret (Belle) Ray, and passed from this life Monday, April 1, 2024, at Phelps Health, Rolla.
In 1988, Lawrence graduated with a law degree from St. Louis University, and went on to practice law, even after his stroke, until his health no longer permitted him to.
Lawrence was an avid traveler and loved to travel the world. His goal was to visit every continent and every major city. Lawrence was able to visit 80 countries, and traveled to every continent except one, Antarctica. Lawrence loved spending time with his family and took his oldest grandchildren to travel all over Europe with him. He also had a passion for music, and prior to attending St. Louis University he was accepted to New York University to play the clarinet, and many of his grandchildren have shared in his love of music.
He was preceded in death by father, Leslie, March 10, 1988; mother, Margaret, Nov. 17, 1987; the mother of his children, Phyllis; and half-sister, Phyllis Shipley.
Those left to mourn the passing of Lawrence include daughters, Lauren Kirn of Pensacola, Fla., Lesley Helton of Vienna, and Lindsey Ray of Belle; grandchildren, Michaela Campbell, Delaney Kirn, Quincy Kirn, Carter Kirn, Jordyn Elaina Helton, Jaclyn Allie Helton, Jayce Merrick Ray Helton, Zachery Ray Lewis, Tristen Ray Lewis, Veda Montana Mastrud, Neil Conrad Mastrud, and Clara Phyllis Bland; and many other relatives and friends.
A visitation for Lawrence Ray was held Saturday, April 13, in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home Chapel, Vienna.
Memorials in memory of Lawrence are suggested per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the funeral home or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.
