Randy Roy Ray

Randy Roy Ray

Cedar Rapids

Randy Roy Ray, 67, died unexpectedly of a heart attack Sept 15. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, at CrossLife Community Church, 5555 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids.

Randy was born Nov. 15, 1955, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Robert and Edna (Davis) Ray. He grew up with his four beloved brothers, Gary, Terry, Dan and Doug. Growing up in Marshalltown, Randy was an accomplished athlete starring in wrestling, baseball, and football. As a boy he played for the state’s first Little League Championship team. Randy graduated from Marshalltown High School, Class of 1974.

Randy married Jane Langenberg in 1978 and they raised two sons, Ben and Blake. Randy was devoted to his family, and loved spending time playing sports or games with his boys. Randy and Jane divorced in 1994, but remained good friends. Randy spent his final years with Helen Shen, whom he loved and enjoyed immensely. He was fortunate enough to enjoy a wonderful trip to China with her recently.

Following high school, Randy attended Indian Hills Community College where he played baseball. He then went on to complete his Bachelor’s in Education at the University of Northern Iowa and earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Drake University. After college Randy would go on to become a PE and U.S. History teacher, first at Regis High School and later at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. In his classroom, beyond his love of history, Randy firmly believed in encouraging his students to become involved in the community. He led many student groups and was especially proud of his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Sports played a major role in Randy’s life. At Regis and Washington high schools he was a head wrestling coach as well as an assistant coach in baseball and football. He loved being a coach, making a point to stay in touch with many of his students well after graduation. Randy had a passion for baseball, becoming somewhat of an ambassador for the game by starting the baseball program at Mt. Mercy College and founding Little League in the country of New Zealand while living abroad for two years. He remained a sports enthusiast throughout his life, running in the Boston Marathon and being inducted into the “16 inch” Iowa Softball Hall of Fame. He was also an avid golfer and played weekly in “Pinky’s league” in Cedar Rapids.

His devotion to our community led him to get involved in politics, eventually running for office as an active member of the Republican Party. Randy was extremely dedicated to lending a helping hand to any and all who asked; there was very little that he couldn’t repair or build. Randy’s home was always open to the community, never asking for anything in return beyond the joy it brought him to share with others. He hosted countless faculty parties, graduations, weddings and 4th of July parties with fireworks that rivaled those of a small city. Above all, what Randy cherished most was his family and his faith. He was a leader in his church (CrossLife Community Church) and adored his weekly prayer group. Randy will be greatly missed by a large family and a multitude of friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edna Ray; grandmothers and grandfathers, Roy and Minnie Ray and Ernest and Elsie Davis; and his Maltese, Lily.

Randy is survived by Helen Shen, his beloved special lady, his former wife, Jane Ray, Cedar Rapids; his sons and daughter-in-law, Ben, Phoenix, Ariz., Blake (Rike) and grandson Kamo, Madrid, Spain; his four brothers and sisters-in-law, Gary (Christine)-Fountain Hills, Ariz., Terry (Barb), Franklin, Tenn., Danny (Sheryl), Cedar Rapids, Doug (Denise Ann), The Villages, Fla.; nieces and nephews, David, Ryan, Amanda, Robyn, Melissa, Jeff and Nicole; as well as many great-nieces and -nephews.

In place of flowers, you may also consider directing a donation to the family for a memorial in Randy’s honor or donate to The Alzheimer's Association in his name.

Condolences may be left online at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.