Roll Call Tribute

Royce Allen Ray, Jr. 

October 28, 1937 - December 29, 2025 

Royce was born in Houston, Texas and was a long time resident of Mobile, Alabama. He graduated from Vigor High School in 1955, married his high school sweetheart in 1958, and was a very proud 1959 graduate of Texas A & M University. At Texas A&M he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Following college he served his Country in the U.S. Army as an officer (1st Lieutenant) in Germany from 1960-62 where he excelled as a tank commander. He was an “Aggie” through and through and never missed the opportunity to watch the Aggies play football (and of course the famous Aggie marching band!). He was affectionately known to some in his family as “Skil” or “Skilly” and “Byedaddy”. He loved his family more than anything and loved spending time with them. He loved boating, fishing and travel and during his early years spent lots of time on the water with family and friends—even scuba diving until his health curtailed that hobby.

He started his career working for Burroughs Corporation selling business machines. He then joined SIPCO in 1967 selling printing and office supplies. He become the sole owner of SIPCO where he worked until he retired. He was an active member of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, having served in numerous leadership roles. He was always interested in learning something new.

In 2020, he moved to the Somerby community with his wife Patricia, where he made many close friends. He thrived at Somerby and was heavily involved in all of the activities there. He was loved by everyone at Somerby and has even been referred to as the “Mayor of Somerby” by many. A Somerby employee recently stated “If you met Royce and did not like him, there is something wrong with you.” Royce was an eternal optimist, and a kind-hearted outgoing man who loved a good joke. He was often the “life of the party”. He was always willing to help people and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He was the ultimate “12th man” in every endeavor, if he wasn’t the ring leader!

He is survived by his daughter, Tamara Ray Clancy, MD (Michael), and son, Royce Allen Ray, III (Michelle) and grandchildren, Patrick R. Clancy, Karissa P. Ray, and Karalee M. Ray; cousins, Jeff (Kathy) Gray and Marion (Esther) Gray, and their children Mary Claire Wright, Ben Gray and Antje (Jeremy) Mikesell; sister - and brother-in law, Sandra and Bobby Smallwood; nieces Stacey (Alan) Bray and Susan (Scott) Walker, and nephew Scott (Dana) Smallwood, and their children, Taylor (Kevin) Johnston, Chandler Bray, Morgan Walker, Luke Walker, Hunter Smallwood, and Libby Smallwood.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann Thomas Ray, mother Thelma Ray Willis and father Royce A. Ray, aunt and uncle Mary and Marion Gray.

A Memorial service will be held Spring Hill Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.