Ray was born the sixth child of Parley Pratt Parker Jr. and Mary Muir in Independence, Polk County, Oregon on September 4, 1924. He was raised in Hibbard and Teton, Idaho. He married Norma Morton on December 26, 1942 in St. Anthony, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls L.D.S. Temple.

He served in France and Germany during World War II in the "Hell on Wheels" squadron from July 1943 to November 1945. After returning from the war, Ray attended trade school in Logan, Utah. He resided in Salt Lake, St. Anthony and Idaho Falls, Idaho.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ray served in various positions throughout the years, including High Priest Group Leader, Sunday School President, Cub Scout Master and devoted home teacher.

He retired from the Idaho National Laboratory Chem Plant in 1986 after working 35 years. Ray and Norma spent 16 winters in Yuma, Arizona as "snowbirds," and made many wonderful friends there.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, carpentry, pool, and checkers but he especially loved spending time with his family. Ray worked hard all of his life.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma Parker, his children: Blaine (Mary Ann) Parker of Murray, Utah; Shauna (Gene) Hinsley and Bryan (Debra) Parker both of Idaho Falls; 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Geneva Briggs of Teton City, Idaho and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Ralph and Louis Parker and three sisters: Geneva Siddoway, Ivy Furniss, and Margaret Landcaster.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at the Ammon L.D.S. 18th Ward Chapel, 4459 John Adams Parkway in Ammon (corner of John Adams and Crowley Rd click on link above for a map) with Gorden Hughes, 1st Counselor officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., and Wednesday at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park (click link for a map) with military honors by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .