Ray, 62, passed away January 6, 2023, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI after a brief illness with his family by his side. Ray was born August 17, 1960, in Utica, NY to Ray and Doris (Kane) Byrnes. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High school in Utica and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from State University of New York at Oswego. While at Oswego, he received the Penfield Writing Award. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in English Literature from North Texas State University. Ray worked for Ford Motor Company as a product development engineer before retiring in 2021. During his time at Ford, he received certification in Systems Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ray was a creative perfectionist who could write, draw, paint, sing, and play the guitar. He was good at everything he tried and could create, build, or fix anything. Anytime something was damaged around the house, his granddaughter immediately said, “Don’t worry— ‘Doo Doo’ can fix it!” (And he did). He had an incredible sense of humor and could make you laugh until you cried. Ray loved college football, especially the Michigan Wolverines. After retirement Ray was a valued volunteer at The Daily Bread of Lenawee. Ray was an accomplished athlete who excelled in all sports. He played football, rugby, and had been a nationally ranked power lifter.
Ray is survived by his wife of 24 years, Pamela (McDonnell); son, Christopher of Adrian, MI; daughter, Victoria of Ypsilanti, MI, and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Carson; his mother, Doris Byrnes, of Clinton, NY; sisters, Cindy (Dave) Langone of Whitesboro, NY and Linda (Mike) Wusik of Utica, NY; nieces, Megan (Dennis) Young of Brooklyn, NY and Jamie (Thomas) Tambe of Norwalk, CT; nephews, Cory (Marie) Langone of Sarasota, FL and Dr. Michael Wusik (Dr. Diana Ginns) of Tampa, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond S. Byrnes and brother-in-law, Joseph McDonnell.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a non-profit of your choice in his memory.