| Date of Birth | November 10, 1941 |
| Passed Away | March 21, 2011 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | March 26, 2011 |
| Service Time | 11:00 AM |
| Service Location | Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home |
BENJAMIN O. “GENTLE BEN” RAY
HORNELL-Benjamin O. “Gentle Ben” Ray, 69, of 1646 Purdy Creek Road, Town of Hartsville, passed away, surrounded by his loving family and friends, on Monday morning (March 21, 2011) at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, after a short illness.
Born in Akron, Ohio on Nov. 10, 1941, he was a son of the late Benjamin and Doris Wilson Ray. On June 3, 1988, he was married at his Purdy Creek home to the former Susan Quakenbush, who survives.
A lifelong area resident, Ben attended Canisteo Central School and was employed for over 26 years at the former SKF Industries and until 1999 he was employed as a heavy equipment operator for A.L. Blades & Sons in Hornell. He was also employed part time at the Hoeffner Farms in Hornell.
Ben served two years as a member of the Board for the Town of Hartsville, was a War Dad member of the Canisteo American Legion, a charter member of the Ten Towns Snowmobile Club, a member of the Canisteo Rod and Gun Club and also served as a coach for the Ten Towns Little League.
He enjoyed NASCAR and loved to spend time at the Casinos. He was an avid outdoorsman who liked to go snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, especially with his long time best friend, John Price.
His family includes his wife of 23 years, Sue; his four children, Michael (Debbie) Ray of Canisteo, James (Lisa) Ray of Hornell, Deborah Ray of Syracuse; their mother, Carol Graham of Hornell ; and Pamela (Tom) Davis of Sacramento, Calif.; his two step children, Joseph Klees (Genevieve Day) of Hornell and Billiejo Klees (Brad Wellman) of Campbell; his 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his five sisters, JoAnn (John) Wulforst of Hornell, Betty Lou (Robert) Charles of Hornell; Terri (Robert) Brown of Saratoga, Peggy (Michael) Stewart of Canisteo and Patty (Michael) Ordway of Canisteo; his brother, Alan (Carol) Ray of Canisteo; also his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his two grandsons, Michael Ray and Otto House III and by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sandra Ray and his brother, Richard “Dick” Ray.
Calling hours are from 3-6 p.m. Friday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral and committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Steuben County Rural Ministry, P.O Box 61, Canisteo, NY 14823. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Dear Sue and family: I just saw where your husband had passed away…you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
SUE MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.MAY GOD BLESS.
A FRIEND ALWAYS
BOBBY EVELAND
I am very sorry about your loss. I am related through the Marlatt/McMindes to Carol. If any of the children would like to contact me with info to add to the family tree. Mike and Debbie are in as she is related to me also through the Drake’s.
A man well known throughout my lifetime. A good man and hopefully a friend. To Betty Lou, Alan and John Price, Ben will be surely missed.
My sympathy to the family and friends of Ben Ray. A man of strong character and a unique personality. I know he will be sorely missed.
Dad my hero and Home The only One I know returned honor love and devotion to the man I have loved with all I do respect service excellence and integrity my God helm and life In remembrance continuously to this day Maiden Mother Daughter Deborah Lee Ray. I love you Forevermore Happy Father’s Day June 13, 2025