It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Donald "Bubba" Wayne Ray, who passed away on July 4, 2026, peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by his family.

Born on April 27,1935, in Kingsville, Texas, to Ora and Jack Ray, Bubba was a man defined by his quiet strength, unwavering determination, and deep devotion to his family. Bubba and his first wife had four children: Fred "Freddy" Ray, Robert "Bobby" Ray, William "Bill" Ray, and Sharon Ray.

In 1961, Bubba married the love of his life, Celia Busby. Together, they built a life centered on family and adventure. They welcomed their daughter Vanessa in 1965, completing their family. After a dedicated career with Union Carbide in Seadrift, Texas and Taft, Louisiana, Bubba took early retirement in 1986 to pursue his dream of business ownership. He relocated the family to Orange Beach, Alabama, where they founded Ray's Marine Construction and Excavation. Through years of hard work, he and Celia grew a successful business before officially retiring in 2005.

Bubba was a pillar of the Orange Beach community. He served on the Planning Commission, Personnel Board and Orange Beach Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and was an active member of the Bon Temps Cabrix Mardi Gras Krewe, reigning as King in 2002. He was also a member of the Mystics of Pleasure Krewe for many years. He then joined Treasures of the Isle Mardi Gras Krewe and was honored to serve as the 2019 Mardi Gras King. He also co-founded the Lower Alabama Parrot Head Club with Celia. Bubba was happiest in his signature floral shirt and deck shoes, traveling the world or spending time on the water and traveling all of the United States.

Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Bubba never met a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and laugh. He cherished time spent with his loved ones. He will be remembered for his generous heart, tireless work ethic, and the countless lives he touched.

Bubba was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Orvis and Gary Ray; and his sons, Robert "Bobby," Fred "Freddy," and William "Bill" Ray. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Celia Ray; his daughters, Sharon Marsh and Vanessa Ray; his brother, Allen Ray (Linda); his sister Jackie Strubhart (Danny), and a large family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support received during Bubba's final days. We would like to thank all the caretakers with Visting Angels that helped take care of Bubba in the last few years and Gentiva Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10th at Mobile Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 6040 Three Notch Rd., in Mobile, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm followed by the service at 2:00pm, graveside service immediately following at the adjoining cemetery.

Please dress comfortably due to extreme heat. Lower Alabama Parrot Heads, feel free to wear your Parrot Head attire. TOI members, feel free to wear Mardi Gras/TOI attire. Bubba was a very casual person and would want you to wear whatever makes you comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.