TAMMS, Ill. -- Robert Oliver Ray, 85, of Tamms died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 11, 1914, at Mill Creek, son of William Irby and Lizzie Pryor Ray. He and Mary E. Jones were married Nov. 11, 1938, in Cape Girardeau.

Ray had worked at Piggly-Wiggly Grocery Store in Cairo; owned and operated Ray's General Merchandise Store in Unity 20 years; and was an agent several years with Country Companies Insurance in Mounds.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife.

He was preceded in death by a sister and three brothers.

Friends may call at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Buckles officiating. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery near McClure.