Edward "Ed" A Ray

Edward "Ed" A. Ray, 93, of Tappahannock, VA, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026. He served in the U.S. Navy and was instrumental in the development and operation of submarine radio communications, including the commissioning of Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt in Northwest Cape, Western Australia. He was an avid amateur radio operator and mentored a number of new radio operators during his life.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Ray, and his parents, Mark and Betsy Ray.

Ed is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marlene Ray; his children, Nicky McDaniel (Tamara), Wendy Payne (Dan), Mark Ray (Donna), and Matthew Ray; his grandchildren, Jennifer Ray, James Ray (Tiffany), Mikaela Stone (David), Nicky McDaniel (Nicole), Reign McDaniel (Ashley), Ryan Comes (Sara); his sister, Barbara Barnes; his brother, George Ray; and four great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Faulkner Funeral Home, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock, Virginia is assisting the family with arrangements.