Ray served in the Philippines in World War II with a medical detachment in the 38th Division. Upon returning to the States, he graduated from Brown-Mackie Business School and started working part time at School Specialty Supply in Salina. He was a purchasing agent and secretary, and worked with the Military Dependent Schools overseas. He retired as Vice President of the company in 1986 after 39 years. Ray was very active in the First Christian Church and served on the board and as a trustee. He was a Past President of Salina Noon Optimist Club, Salina, and Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the Agriculture Committee. He was an active member of the Salina Elks Club, Flywheels, Saline County Genealogical Society, VFW Post 1432 and American Legion Post and was engaged in a number of civic activities.

He was preceded in death by a son, John Michael “Mike” Heald; and a granddaughter, Micala Jean Jones.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Fenton Heald, of the home; son, Ron and wife Kathy Heald, of Wichita; and daughter, Kathi and husband Mike Jones, of Edmond, Okla. Ray has four grandsons, Aric Delaney and fiancee Cassandra Rivers, Shaun Heald and Nicholas Heald, all of Wichita, and Jamie DeLaney, of Salina.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at First Christian Church, Salina. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery with military honors presented by the U.S. Army, Fort Riley.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the church or Salina Optimist Clubs.