Ray Leach left this earth peacefully in his sleep on October 7, 2023. He lived a long, happy life of 67 years traveling the world with his wife, spending time with his kids and grandchildren, and playing music. In fact, hours before he took his final breath, Ray was doing what he loved to do most: playing music.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Alma; his three children: Justin, Kimberly, and Angela; his four grandchildren Allie, Uriah, Avelynn, and Blake; and his mother Anne. Ray was also an older brother to Bobby, who preceded him 20 years ago.
Ray was born on March 18, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in north St. Louis, raised by a single mother and his grandmother, and then spent his grade school years living in France. Ray returned to St. Louis and met the love of his life in 1986. Ray and Alma were married in 1987. Together they settled in South St. Louis County, raising their two children: Justin and Kimberly.
Ray had a successful 30-year career working in Information Technology, mostly as a developer and database architect. Over the span of his career, he worked for the St. Louis Police Department, Boatmen’s Bank, St. Louis Public Schools, Maritz, Ralston Purina, Anheuser-Busch, Barnes Hospital, Southwestern Bell, and Express-Scripts. Ray even spent his retirement expanding his knowledge in IT. In his final years, he took online classes at Southern New Hampshire University in pursuit of his Bachelor of Arts in Cyber Security.
Ray was a well-respected musician. While he could play many string instruments, he was best known as a talented bass and guitar player. He was a member of local bands including Decent Exposure, Funboat Willie, Homewreckers, and Pagan. He even spent his retirement writing music, taking classical guitar lessons, and having Friday night jam sessions with friends. Ray shared his love of music with his brother, and passed on his love of music to his children and grandchildren.
Please join us in honoring Ray’s memory:
VISITATION: Thursday October 12, 2023 at Kutis Funeral Home from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129)
CHURCH SERVICE: Friday October 13, 2023 at Mary Mother of the Church 10:00 AM (5901 Kerth Rd., St. Louis, MO 63128)
We met Ray and Alma 10 years ago on a holiday in Europe. We quickly became friends and have had many holidays together since then.
Over the years we have enjoyed their company. We shared many interests in music, science and politics.
Ray will be remembered fondly by us and our thoughts are with Alma and her family at this very sad time.
With love from Mick and Val
I met Ray in an online writing class. We had similar writing styles and likes. He messaged me one day and said, “Let’s be friends.” It warmed my heart! We’ve been friends for the last 2 years now. We would call and text to catch-up and sometimes talk for hours. My husband and I invited him and his wife to come visit us in Virginia Beach and he said he would consider it for the summer 2024 season. Just today I found out he has passed, while wondering why I haven’t heard from him. My sincere condolences to Alma and her family. He loved you all so very much. God bless you, Ray. I will miss you.