Howard Ray Crosby

Howard "Ray" Crosby, 86, of Columbus, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Fisher House in Meridian, MS.  A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 2:30 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Columbus.  Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home and Crematory, 2nd Ave North Location is in charge of arrangements.

Ray was born on February 24, 1935 in Neshoba County, MS to the late Vera Lane and Frank Crosby.  He was  a member of Fairview Baptist Church where he had served as Deacon, taught Sunday school, and never missed a service.  Mr. Crosby moved to Columbus in 1959 where he began work at Hooker Chemical, which later became Eka Chemical.  He worked many years there and retired as the plant manager.  He married his first wife, Valera McCool in 1963.  He loved to read, travel, and work on crossword puzzles.  He was a people person who loved all of his family members, work family, and church family.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his two wives: Valera McCool Crosby and Faye Cox Crosby; son, Howard Ray Crosby, Jr.; granddaughter, Catherine Crosby Richards; sisters, Jo Willis, Willie Nance, Sue Barrier, Ruth Daugherty, and Rose Alford; and brothers, Lavelle, Alfred, and Melvin Crosby.

He is survived by his daughters: Stephanie Shirley (Kevin) of Meridian, MS and Elizabeth Richards (Guy) of Fayetteville, GA; stepsons, Eric Cox (Lori) of Arlington, TN, Neal Cox (Susan) of Holly Springs, MS, step daughter, Vicki Atkinson (Reuben) of Piperton, TN; grandchildren, Cole Shirley (fiance, Katie Jo Riley), Jack Richards, E.J. Cox, Tripp Atkinson (Mallory), Blake Cox (Christy), Jenna Phillips (Wade), Tyler Cox (Mallory), Christina Sievers, Amber Martin (Cody), and Jeremy Atkinson; and 14 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Cole Shirley, Jack Richards, Kevin Smith, Billy Aultman, Jeff Abrams, and Butch Reed.

The family would like to give thanks to all of the very special caregivers who took such great care of their Daddy during his illness.

Memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church Shine Ministry or Bus Ministry: 127 Airline Road Columbus, MS 39702;  The Ronald McDonald House Charities : 26345 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1263;  or to the donor's choice.