Keith Edward Ray (January 25, 1954- September 15, 2020).

Keith was born on January 25, 1954 in Portsmouth, Virginia to William E. Ray and Arlene (Nihiser) Brown. He was a 1973 graduate of Manual High School in Indianapolis. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy. He lived out his dream of being EN1 class working in the boiler area of several ships. He traveled the world serving on many US Navy ships including the USS Hermitage, USS South Carolina, USS Tacoma, USS Emory and USS Fearless. Upon his retirement in 1993, he had completed 20 years of service to his nation. After service he worked 10 years for Wishard Hospital in boiler operations, followed by 10 years with Citizens Thermal. He loved his jobs and life with the Navy.

Keith spent much of his time working with American Legion Post 252, VFW Post 5864, where he once served as Post Commander, and DAV Chapter 60. He loved working and helping other veterans.

His other dream was living outside of Paragon, IN on our grandparents' property. He loved the solitude and the great outdoors. He loved animals, including his three dogs.

In 2013, life changed drastically for Keith after he suffered a stroke. He had to retire and eventually give up his home of 20 years. After he moved back to Indianapolis his health began to steadily decline. He fought hard but his heart grew weaker.

He was preceded in death by his parents William E. Ray and Arlene K. (Nihiser) Brown, grandparents Walter Ray, Mary E. Ray, Arland H. Nihiser, and Ruth E. Nihiser. Survivors include: his loving step-mother Charlotte Graham; sister, Deborah Truex (Greg); and half-brother, Furman (Buddy) Brown (Jolene). He also leaves behind niece, Melissa Plew (Keenan); and great niece, Scout Plew; and nephew, Kyle Truex. Other niece and nephews are Brianna Brown, Brady Brown, and Cliff Brown.

Donations may be made to the Indianapolis Humane Society, or VFW Post 5864.

Funeral will be Monday, September 21, 2020 at the Forest Lawn Ben Franklin Mausoleum Chapel on US 135 in Greenwood, IN. Visitation will be from 12:00pm-2:00pm at the Chapel (masks required). Service will be at 2:00pm in the Chapel, followed by military honors at gravesite.