Martin Dorsey Ray, 89, was born in Dyer County, Tennessee, on September 7, 1935, to Sudie Martin Fleming and Henry Scott Ray. He departed this life on June 4, 2025, in Hayti, MO, the place he and his mother, long-ago, proclaimed they "never wanted to live anywhere else on earth but in good ole Hayti!"

In 1944, at the age of 9, Martin moved with his mother, his brother Bee, and his Shelly family to Pemiscot County, Missouri, to live in the Black Island community. Martin, Bee, and his sister, Mary Lou, attended Hayti Schools. The family later moved to an 80-acre farm on Highway 84 just west of Hayti, which is still in the family today.  Martin graduated from Hayti High School in 1954 and left with two of his friends to find work in Michigan. The friends returned to their small apartment one afternoon, and Martin was packed and bid them goodbye – he was going home to Hayti. Soon he found work digging graves at Woodlawn and Evergreen Cemeteries in Hayti. He eventually began working with Mr. John German at the John W. German Funeral Home, where he would continue to serve the community for the rest of his life. He learned to help direct funerals and drove the hearse to assist people who either needed to go to the hospital or on to the funeral home! There were no ambulances in small towns back then.

Martin had a natural talent for memorizing names and locations of families in the cemetery. His friends said Martin could hear the name of the deceased and help almost anyone find the gravesite of their loved one. He also had many other talents as a funeral director, such as helping families feel comforted and at peace during their times of need.

Martin was a highly respected, beloved, and a very active member of his community. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hayti and the Odd Fellows Lodge of Hayti. Martin and his brother Bee were members of the Future Farmers of America during their high school years. He was also a member of the Hayti Fire Department for over 25 years, when he retired as a Captain. Fishing and hunting were a big part of Martin's life. He enjoyed spending days with his friend's catching crappie at places like Reelfoot, Everett's, and Comb's Lake and hunting coons, squirrels, rabbits, and deer. He also loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals ball games, old westerns, and Jeopardy.

Martin and Jean welcomed Penny and Patty Wright into their home, following the death of their mom in 1967.

Martin and Jean were partners for many, many years before Jean came out of the funeral home one day in the fall of 1999 and proposed to Martin while he was mowing the yard. The two were united in marriage on Halloween Day 1999, in the John W. German Funeral Home chapel. They both loved spending time with friends and family. Most of all, they loved having big dinners for all their friends, family, and anyone who wanted to join.

Martin was preceded in death by his wife Jean German Ray, Mother Sue Shelly, Father Scott Ray, Brother Bee Ray and Sister-in-law, Ramona Ray, Stepfathers: A.R. Shelly and Bob Tabor, Stepbrother: Thad Shelly, and beloved Sister-in-Law Jessie Shelly.

He leaves behind the following to cherish his memory:

Children: Penny and Bobby Irions of Hayti, MO., Patty and Billy Joe Hinchey Sr. of Phoenix, AZ

Grandchildren: Brian Irions of Hayti, MO., Brandon (Jenny) Irions of Finley, TN., Mary Modenessi, Monica Hinchey, and Billy Joe Hinchey Jr.

Great-grandchildren: Blake Irions, Sarah (Colson) Leonard, Case Irions, Parker Patterson, Blair, and Jett Irions

Sister: Mary Lou Shelly Gilbert

Nieces and Nephews: Susan (Ray) Parko, Scott Ray, Martin Ray, Andrew Gilbert, Joshua Gilbert, Adam Gilbert, Steve Shelly, Dewayne Shelly, and Philip Shelly.

And a host of great nieces and great nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation was held the evening of Friday, June 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the John W. German Funeral Home in Hayti, MO. Funeral services were held the following day, Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the John W. German Funeral Home Chapel in Hayti, MO.

John W. German Funeral Home of Hayti in charge of services.