Ray Vern Auday

Ray Vern Auday, age 68, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026.

Ray was born on July 27, 1958, in Hawthorn, California, to the late Gordon and Diane Auday. He was a man of many talents and interests, with a deep love for his family, faith, music, sports, travel, and the many adventures life had to offer. Ray was of the Baptist faith.

A 1982 graduate of Moorpark College in Moorpark, California, Ray went on to build a remarkable career as a highly respected contractor and construction manager. He dedicated more than 40 years to his profession, working throughout Southern California and the Cleveland, Tennessee area, and most recently in the outskirts of Atlanta. Before his passing Ray was employed with Archer Restoration Inc. in Acworth, Georgia.

Ray had a lifelong passion for sports. He was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and also cheered for the LA Dodgers and Anaheim Angels. In his younger years, Ray was scouted to play professional baseball for the former California Angels baseball farm team. For a short time, he practiced with the "B" team in Tempe, Arizona. An outstanding catcher with a bright future ahead of him, Ray's baseball career came to an unexpected end after a catastrophic injury to his arm and shoulder.

Ray was also a member of SKA Shotokan Karate of America. He earned his second-degree black belt and led his own dojo in Cleveland, Tennessee, for many years. He also loved the NHL and supported many teams throughout the sport.

Of all his hobbies, Ray especially enjoyed being on the water. He loved boating, swimming, skiing, tubing, and even scuba diving off the California coast. In recent years, he often spoke of his "boating years" as some of his fondest memories.

Music was another great love of Ray's life. He played multiple instruments and became a master of the keyboards and guitar. He had a home studio where he spent countless hours playing, writing, and sometimes recording music. Ray loved entertaining family and friends and enjoyed attending concerts and shows, where he had the opportunity to meet many famous artists.

Ray also loved to travel with family and friends. He held a special place in his heart for the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, as well as many beach towns. Some of his favorite destinations included Savannah, Georgia; Tybee Island; Malibu; Zuma and other California coastal towns; and the beaches of Florida.

Ray will be remembered for his many talents, his adventurous spirit, his love of music and sports, and the memories he created with the people who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Leroy Auday and Diane Benbow Auday; and his brother, Gene Auday.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his stepmother, Sandra Auday; daughter, Allison Auday; stepdaughter, Jessica (Andrew) Bonner; sisters, Desiree (Chuck) Cimaglia, Cheree (Jim) Thompson, and Michelle Young; brother, Arthur Newcombe Jr.; former spouse and friend, Karen Edwards; nieces, Emily Bates, Sabrina Young, Cassandra Robertson-Himle, and Gina Cimaglia; nephew, Justin Thompson and Keirin Auday; Terrie Lorentz, mother of Allison Auday; and his loving companion, Kristie Culver;

The family is planning a lakeside memorial for close family and friends at a later date.