William Drue Ray, 52, died unexpectedly on May 12, 2023, at his residence. He was born on October 12, 1970, in Steubenville, Ohio, to the late Robert Gilbert Ray Sr., and Jessie Mae (Hubbard) Fanning.

Drue as he was affectionately called, graduated from Toronto High School class of 1990. Following graduation, he attended The International Culinary Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in culinary arts.

Drue is survived by his son William Jaquan Ray of Columbus, Ohio; one sister Loretta (Robert) Williams of Tyler, Texas; one brother Bobby Ray of Atlanta, Georgia; a nephew Philip (Sheles) Thompson; three great-nephews Aaron, D'Andre, and Cameron Thompson of Toronto, Ohio; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received on Saturday, April 20, 2023, from 10:30 am until the time of the funeral service, 11:00 am, at First Baptist Church, 901 Pierce Avenue in Toronto, Ohio. A post-funeral reception will follow at 209 N. Fourth Street in Toronto, Ohio. Arrangements entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home.