David L. Ray spent his last days surrounded by family in a room filled with singing, joking, and Jesus. He passed peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, following an extended period of health complications.
Born January 11, 1969, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Dave was the son of the late Barbara (Kellough) and C. Fredrick Ray. He married Kathy (Holsinger) in 1990, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and serving others. He is survived by Kathy; their sons, Tyler (Katie) Ray and Travis (Delanie) Ray; his two grandchildren, Selah and Timothy; two siblings, Cynthia Mendenhall and Greg (Carmen) Ray, mother-in-law, Wilma Holsinger; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Dave) Poole and Tina (Mike) Taylor; and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Dave felt blessed with a long career with Kenworth Truck Company, beginning on the manufacturing side and later serving in the Resident Engineering Department. After a combined 26 years with the company, he retired to answer a call to ministry. He served with Samaritan’s Purse, Rebuild Division, in Mayfield, Kentucky as Logistics Coordinator from 2022 to 2024. Dave found a meaningful way to use his experience, organization, and desire to help others before illness eventually forced his retirement and brought him back to Ross County.
Dave had a gift for seeing what could be and then finding a way to make it happen. He envisioned placing a victory bell at the Huntington High School Athletic Complex to honor a friend and mentor. Through Dave’s determined fundraising and sourcing efforts, he turned his vision to reality, culminating in the dedication of the Wayne Haines Victory Bell in 2009.
Dave lived out his faith in meaningful ways. As his body grew weaker, his faith grew stronger. Throughout these recent health challenges, the prayers of family, friends, and many others sustained and encouraged him. Dave witnessed many miracles in the past few years, and he was quick to share those stories. Even in difficult circumstances, he encouraged those around him to trust God more.
Dave and Kathy attended church together throughout their marriage but found their home and many dear friends at Open Door Ministries. Dave served numerous teams within his church and community, always looking for another opportunity to help. Helping others was a big part of who he was.
Dave leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, friends who were blessed by his life, and a legacy of faith, service, and humor. His life reminded those around him that faith is not only something to believe—it is something to live, especially when life becomes difficult.
A memorial celebration will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Haller Funeral Home, with calling hours beginning two hours prior to the service. Mark Pfiefer will direct the services. Interment will be at Twin Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Dave requested that friends and family make donations to Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/david-l-ray-chillicothe-oh/.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.