Donald R. Ray, 85 of Troy, entered into eternal life on December 22, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Troy on August 2, 1936, Donald was the son of the late Clayton and Grace (Derosiers) Ray. Donald was the devoted husband of 65 years to Gloria A. (Harrington) Ray; beloved father of Donald (Robin) Ray of Troy, Sharon Ray of Troy, Richard (Elsie) Ray of Melrose, Donna (Gerald) Keegan of Troy, Penny (Todd) Tesman of Johnsonville and Lisa (Edward) Macey of Berlin; and dear brother of Barb (Mike) Loiselle of Troy. Besides his parents, Donald was predeceased by his son, David C. Ray; his brothers, Edward, John, Bobby and Clayton; and his sisters, Anna Mae and Charlotte. Donald was also predeceased by a sister-in-law, Pat Moore of Columbus, Ohio. Donald was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving his country honorably from 1955 until 1958. During his time in the Navy, he traveled to Greece and Italy on the Ticonderoga Naval Ship. Donald was employed as a carpenter for many years at Freihofer's in Troy and also the Ames Department Store after he retired. He took great pride in his home and yard, especially his gazebo which he built himself. Donald was always building or working on a project, he was a gifted carpenter who made many things himself. He gave selflessly to his family and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Donald loved his car (who he named old Betsy) and camping with his family every year in Maine. He also loved taking day trips to Vermont with his wife. There wasn't anything Donald would not do for either his family or friends. We are all so proud of the husband, father and grandfather he was to our family. After a long courageous battle fighting Alzheimer's disease, Donald received the gift of Heaven. His family will forever cherish every precious moment they got to have with their dad and grandfather. He will be very much missed and is loved beyond words. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, at Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street), Lasingburgh, where a funeral service will be conducted at 12 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy.