William G. "Bill" Ray

William G. "Bill" Ray passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 in Somerset, KY surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Duncan Ray, whom he married on June 12, 1954. He was a member of the Maple Avenue Church of Christ in Lancaster, KY, and the founder of Modern Distributors, Inc. and Tru-Check, Inc., both headquartered in Somerset, KY. He was a true entrepreneur, leaving a legacy of faith, family and business success. His joy in life was infectious, and will be carried on by those who knew him well.

Born July 16, 1934, in Lancaster, Kentucky, he was the son of the late R.T. and Maude Clark Ray. Educated at Lancaster High School and Cumberland College, he began his business career at the Garrard County Stockyard. As a proprietor of a few jukeboxes and pinball games, he moved to Somerset in 1965 and along with business partners Paul Chadwell and Russell Teater, purchased what would become Modern Vending Company. Working with his sons as co-owners for the past 3 decades, he worked to build the vending and amusement company into what is now Team Modern Distributors in Somerset - a respected business in the convenience distribution, vending, and graphics industries. In 1986, along with nephew Terry Ray, Bill began Tru-Check Meter Service with little capital and no experience in the utility industry. Tru-Check, Inc., is now a nationwide utility-service company. Through the challenges of operating these businesses, Bill was consistently successful due to his tireless optimism, hard work, and love of making a deal.

Bill leaves behind two sons, Mickey (and Donna) Ray and Jerry Ray of Somerset. He is also survived by two brothers, Collis (and Faye) Ray of Lancaster, KY and Donnie (and Gwinette) Ray of Lancaster. He was loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Michael (and Tara) Ray of Somerset, Miranda (and Brian) Denney of Campbellsville,KY, Sarah Ray, Ashley (and Derek) Smith, Carri Ray, and Ella Ray, all of Somerset. He also leaves behind 7 great-children and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one brother, R.T. (Tom) Ray, and three sisters: Mary (and Junior) Hullett, Rose (and Emmitt) Holtzclaw, and Bobbie (and Paul) Chadwell.

The family will receive friends beginning at 4 PM on Friday, May 4 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home in Science Hill, KY. The funeral will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, May 5 at Morris & Hislope, with burial services following at Lakeside Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made on Bills behalf to the charitable organization he helped create, The Modern Fund at PO Box 97, Somerset, KY 42502.

Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.