A.C. Jr., Ray

October 27, 1927 ~ October 25, 2009
Ray, Jr., A.C., 81, retired President of H. B. Hughes Co., passed away Sunday, October 25, 2009. Service 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 29, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. A.C. was born October 27, 1927 in Wichita to Alton C. and Helen Lucille (Staggs) Ray. He graduated from Wichita East in 1946 and attended Wichita State and Kansas University. A.C. was a member of the Men of Webster and Delta Upsilon Fraternities. He traveled on the road selling Sporting Goods to schools for Wichita Sporting Goods, 1954-1962 and also for Snowden-Mize, 1962-1963. A.C. went to work in 1964 for the H. B. Hughes Co., Inc. of Dallas, TX, as a Manufacturers Representative, selling sporting goods in the 7 southwestern states 1964-1985. He was President of the H.B. Hughes Co as well as President of Hughes Co./Adidas, 1975-1985, retiring in 1985. A.C. was also President of the Sporting Goods Agents Association, 1982-1985 and was on the Board of Directors of the Athletic Institute, 1982-1985. He traveled to Europe and the Far East with Adidas, 1970-1982. A.C. held memberships with the Dallas Athletic Club and Country Club and the Tucson National Golf Club. He has a home on the course, and a home in Wichita. A.C. started the Jayhawk Retriever Club in 1954 and ran retriever trials with his dogs until 2006. He had 3 field champions that participated in 9 national events. A.C. liked to hunt and fish, and pheasant hunt in South Dakota. He also liked flying, but was forced to retire. A.C. said: “Ive been very fortunate in my lifetime to have many good things happen to me that I didnt deserve, but more importantly, Im thankful for all the things that DID NOT happen to me that I DID deserve.” Preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Sara Ann Busch-Ray, daughter, Stephanie Ann, and son, Alton C. Ray, III. Survivors: wife, Betty J. Sheets-Ray; son, Steve C. Ray and wife, Bette of Tucson, AZ; granddaughter, Darby Erin Ray of Austin, TX; great-granddaughter, Kianna Ray; step-sons, Mark Sheets and wife, Nancy and their children, Max, Michael and Mitchell, Matt Sheets, Morrie Sheets and wife, Jana and their children, Libby and Dani. A memorial has been established with Lifeline Animal Placement, 310 W. 45th N., Wichita, 67204.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
,To Betty, Morrie, Matt and Mark I send my sympathies to you. Wayne Matlock is my late husband and I remember spending good times with you Betty and Jerry. To you 3 onery guys I recall many stories and good times with you also. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Betty Kathleen Barton Shelton here. Terry was in town last week and she was wondering about you. I called her tonight to let her know that you had lost your dear husband. I send prayers and all good thoughts that the days to come will be filled with good friends and family recalling sweet memories of your time together. Love Kathleen
My friend A.C. is a man who will be missed by many, my thoughts and prayers for Betty, Steve, and the family
AC Ray Gentleman and Sportsman Several years ago AC made it possible for me to join him on pheasant hunts in SD. I learned to know him as a real sportsman, humorus story teller, and a true gentleman.I will surely miss him. My sympathies to all of his family.
A.C. A fine gentleman. My wife and I first met AC and Sarah when the lived in Dallas and would bring their dogs into the animal clinic. More recently I got to know AC while pheasant hunting in South Dakota. I always enjoyed his presence and stories. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.