Kyle Ray's Obituary
Kyle Ray, 86, of Rixeyville, VA was welcomed into the arms of Jesus and called to his eternal home on Monday, January 19, 2026 while at his residence. He was born March 23, 1939 to the late Hunter and Maudie Ray in Buchanan County, VA.
Early in life, Kyle became a proud member of the Carpenters Union and spent many years working in Washington, D.C., renovating and constructing buildings. From there he became a lifetime custom home builder serving primarily the beautiful state of Virginia, known for its native hardwood trees which he loved. A natural inventor, he held a patent for an electric miter box saw and was always creating, fixing, or improving something. He loved to tinker, especially when working on cars, and could often be found with a project underway. In quieter moments, he enjoyed the early years of playing the banjo and the latter years of watching classic westerns. He was a forever optimist and big dreamer. Through his example, he instilled in his children a legacy of hard work ethic, perseverance, passion, creativity, ingenuity, love of learning and true grit. One of his notorious ways to show he cared was to offer nuggets of wisdom to those with a willing ear. Above all, he deeply loved and cherished his wife, Madelyn, of 52 years and was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His older sister, Pauline, helped to care for him growing up and later in life, as the last two surviving siblings, they were a special source of strength for each other. In the final decade of his life despite life challenges and great losses, Kyle made sharing and growing in his faith a priority and wanted others to have the same peace. The family can take comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Kyle is survived by his children, Timothy Allen Ray, Sr, Caroline Melinda Ray Cornett (Kenneth, Sr.), Darlene Madelyn Ray Ferguson (Wade), and Helen Marie Ray Kinzer (David); 17 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; his sister, Pauline Helton Lester; his brother in love, Don Ray, and a host of additional family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Kyle was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Madelyn Marie Ray; his brothers, Grady P. Ray and Lester Ray, Sr; his sister, Opal Marie Pack; and one granddaughter, Christina Ann Ray.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA.
A graveside will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Russell Memorial Cemetery, 154 Huckleberry Road, Lebanon, VA, 24266. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Mausoleum.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at https://www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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