Ray was born on May 25, 1953, and was raised in Camden, Arkansas, where he graduated from Camden High School in 1973. He then attended Oil Belt Vocational Technical School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he obtained his Mechanical Drafting and Basic Architectural Drafting certificates.
While working as a draftsman for Uncle Ben’s Rice in Greenville, Mississippi, Ray met and would later marry his wife of 42 years, Rebecca (Becky) Hill Toland. Ray left drafting when offered a crew dispatch position for Security Barge Line (later Flowers Transportation) where he worked for several years. Ray and family then moved to Arkansas where they owned Saffell Grocery, Lynn Supermarket and Mini-Storage and Dollar Alley. During that time, he also worked at Lake Charles State Park in maintenance. After retiring Ray moved to Nevada, MO, where he drove a bus for the Nevada R5 School District.
Ray will be lovingly remembered for his quick whit and dry sense of humor. He was a gentle giant, a faithful friend, and strong protector of those he loved. Ray found pleasure and peace in nature, and the sound of a wild canary. Memories of hunting, fishing, and camping with his dad, uncles, children, and friends made him smile. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of guns and ammo.
Ray was a father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Those left to cherish his memory are Christopher Toland (Malorie) of Floral, AR, Matthew Toland and Haley Toland of Nevada, MO, Hanna Toland of Neosho, MO, Tyler Toland of Batesville, AR, Bayleigh and Ryleigh Toland of Tulsa, OK, Adalynn Toland, Malia Shaffer, Jayden Blansfield, Zoie Edwards of Nevada, MO, and Allie Toland of Floral, AR., Lynn Smith of Conway, AR, Travis Toland (Angel) of Royal, AR, and many nieces and nephews. Ray made an impact on the lives of those around him and will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
The family wishes to express appreciation to doctors and nurses of Freeman West hospital in Joplin who fought hard to extend his life.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Rev. Jeff Dial officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
