John W. Ray, 60, of Fairfield, passed away at 9:57pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at his home.

John was born on August 22, 1966, in Fairfield, to Charles and Betty (DeWitt) Ray. He shared 30 years with his life-long partner, Rhonda Smothers.

John was the owner and operator of Ray’s Mowing and Backhoe Service in Fairfield and, had been the Grover township road commissioner for over 30 years. He was also an avid toy collector, collecting farm tractors, trucks, pedal tractors and other toys.

Survivors include his mother Betty Ray and his life partner Rhonda Smothers both of Fairfield, his sisters Trena (Bruce) Longbons of Albion and Rita (Doug) Thompson of Fairfield, along with several nieces, nephews, and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles Ray, his maternal grandparents J.C. and Lucille DeWitt and his paternal grandparents Wesley and Hazel Ray.

Funeral services will be at 2pm on Wednesday, September 16th, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield with burial to follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday, September 15th at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home. Memorial donations can be made to either the Dr. Scranton Memorial Cancer Fund or the Wayne County Senior Center lunch program and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.