Julius Ray Simpson

Julius Ray Simpson, 89, left this earth for his Heavenly home on April 21, 2024, to be with his risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was surrounded by his family and beloved dog, Barney at his home when he passed.

Ray was born in Lyons, GA on April 29, 1934, to Ila Pharr McDilda and Julius Simpson. He completed school through the 8th grade when he left higher education behind to work on the family farm.

Ray joined the US Marine Corps in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1958. He was one of the Featherweight Boxing Champions at Camp Lejune. He was stationed at Camp Lejune, NC and Cherry Point, NC. During his time in the service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Ray owned and operated J. Ray Simpson Splicing and Trenching from 1959 - 1969.

He married Valerie West on November 15, 1962, in Mulvane, KS. To this union two sons were born. They traveled all over the Midwest with the trenching business before they settled in Belle Plaine, KS.

From 1974 - 1984, Ray owned and operated R & R Trenching in Belle Plaine, KS. His company laid many miles of phone cable for Ma Belle.

He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the Wellington Baptist Temple at the age of 42. He had a very powerful testimony that he shared with many. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Belle Plaine, KS.

Ray was the Maintenance Superintendent for the City of Belle Plaine from 1984, until his retirement in 1996.

Ray's Bait and Tackle fishing business started in 1988. He made jigs and sinkers, sold bait and various fishing accessories. His biggest accomplishment was his patented invention of the "Eyepopper", a multi-functional fishing tool in 1999, which was sold all over the US and internationally as well.

Ray loved his Lord, his family, camping, fishing, and hunting. It made his day when young children would come to the bait shop to purchase bait and lures.

Ray is survived by his wife, Valerie of the home. Two sons - Randy (Dixie) of Oxford, KS and Larry (Annette) of Belle Plaine, KS. His two granddaughters - Kally of Bryan, TX and Kelsey of Brookings, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lindy McCarty - sister; Felton Simpson - brother; parents-in-law - Pete and Kay Hansard; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law - Pat and Jerry West and Annie and Jim Whittley.

In southern fashion, a "Last Coffee" with Ray will be held in his backyard on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2 pm located at 975 N Oliver Road, Belle Plaine, KS. Please bring your own lawn chair and your favorite beverage. A reception with coffee and cake will be held at the First Baptist Church Annex in Belle Plaine after the backyard service. Memorial contributions for Ray may be made to the Belle Plaine First Baptist Church for Youth Activities. Donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Winfield.

**In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the First Baptist Church Annex in Belle Plaine.**

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