Wallace Elgin Ray, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded bu the love of his family the evening of August 18th, 2026. Born on January 10, 1931, in St. Clair County, Alabama, Wallace was the beloved son of Dadie William Ray and Lorene Swiney Ray Littlefield, both of whom preceded him in death.

Wallace was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by his strong moral and work ethic, commitment to his friends and family, and pride in his life's accomplishments. Wallace was always eager to share his deep and encyclopedic knowledge of his world and could talk for hours about his interests with anyone in earshot. He was known to be strong, consistent, practical, and would always step forward to help a soul in need whether they be beloved neighbors or strangers on the street.

Wallace dedicated 44 years of his working life to the railroad, spending 23 years with Woodward Iron Company and another 21 years with Birmingham Southern Railroad. Wallace worked tirelessly to build the rails that united our nation with a career that reflected his dedication, reliability, and pride in his work.

Wallace was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Doris Peeples Ray; his son, Terry W. Ray; and his sibling, Robert Ray. He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his children, Debra Cleveland (Kyle), Gary A. Ray (Lavon), Sharon K. Carpenter (Randy Lambert); grandchildren, Kevin Ellis (Staci), Steven Ray (Amanda), Lara Ray, Alyssa Ray, David Ray, James Ray, Jesslyn Neaves (John), Joseph Ray, Gina Ray, Frankie B. Carpenter, and Mika Carpenter (James Elliott); and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Wallace's long life was marked by the people he loved and the family he helped build. His memory will live on through his legacy of work, his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched throughout his 95 years. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM followed with a memorial service to honor Wallace's life at 12:00 PM, with a graveside service immediately following. All services will take place at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home and Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. The funeral home and cemetery are located at 2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, Alabama 35244.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity in Wallace's memory.