Source: http://www.metcalfmortuary.com/index.cfm

Ray Eugene McPherson
(May 18, 1928 - September 12, 2009)

St. George, UT -- Ray Eugene McPherson beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend was called home to his loving Father on September 12, 2009 after an extended illness. He was 81 years of age.

Dad was born in Louin, Mississippi on May 18, 1928 to wonderful parents, Henry Taylor McPherson and Annie Lee Lightsey. He was the sixth of seven children. His siblings are Charles Kenneth, Robert Taylor, Edward Ranson, Annie Grace, James Alexander, and Mary Ruth, all of whom preceded him in death.

Dad grew up shortly after the Great Depression and his family worked on the farm to provide for themselves. He learned how to work and be self-sufficient. He graduated from Mossville High School in 1947. He attended Jones County Junior College and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in 1950.

In October 1950 he met and fell in love with Lettie Corneil of Jackson, Mississippi. They were Married December 13, 1950. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in May of 1955.

In January 1954 he was employed by Mississippi Power and Light Company where he worked for 34 years before retiring. He has been a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union for 55 years.

On September 13, 1953 he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He describes this day as the turning point in his life. He served faithfully in many church leadership positions. Dad and Mom served a mission in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His love and influence were felt by everyone with whom he associated. During his illness the past year he was a diligent home teacher and loved teaching his CTR primary class.

Dad is the father of six children: Deborah Ann, Bruce Alexander (Debbie), Rebbeca Jane (Everett), Valerie Gay (Kevin), Mark Eugene (deceased), Marion Ray LaVelle (Debbie). He is blessed with 24 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

His wife Lettie preceded him in death on August 26, 2005. This was a difficult time for Dad; however, he continued to be optimistic and spent some wonderful times traveling with his children.

After a few lonely years another love came into his life. On March 28, 2008 he married Sharon Jean Webb. She brought sunshine back into his life.

Dad loved growing vegetables and fruits, manicuring his lawn and shrubs, woodworking, family get-togethers, and Utah Jazz basketball. He was strong, honest, dependable, courageous, and loving. He loved serving others. Most of all he loved his family and lived a Christ like life. He had the assurance that God lives and that life continues on beyond the grave. He was certain our family would be together again in the eternities. Dad left his family a legacy of faith and determination.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Joseph Te and his office staff for their kind and loving care during his illness.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1750 Desert Dawn Drive, Santa Clara, Utah. Family and friends visitation will be held Tuesday, September 15th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah and on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center, prior to services.

Interment will be at the Santa Clara Cemetery immediately following the funeral. Arrangements entrusted to Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.

In lieu flowers you may donate to the Humanitarian Aid or Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.