Theodore ''Poppie'' A. Ray

RAY, Theodore A. ?Poppie? Kalamazoo Born November 6th , 1921, passed away surrounded by his family on November 20th, 2006. Ted was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois, of fifty-four years. Surviving are his family; two daughters, Cheryl Tom Teetaert, Jodi Steve Armstrong, and son Kent Sue Ray. ?Poppie? is also survived by seven grandchildren: Tracy Teetaert, Todd Teetaert, Torrey Jason Austin, Kristen and Kelsey Ray, Tyler and Madison Armstrong. Ted was born in Watervliet, Michigan; the son of George and Maggie Dozeman Ray. He was preceded in death by his brothers Warner and George, and his sisters Irene Mert Babcock and Irene Ivan Wheeler. Surviving Ted is his sister, Maxine King and his sister?in-law Onalee Warner Ray. Ted served during WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the 10th Armored Division and also for a brief period with the Army Air Corps. Follow WWII he joined his brothers in the partnership of Ray Building Company. He was also employed at Miller Lumber Company. Ted left the building business to become an inspector with the City of Kalamazoo. He was instrumental in the construction of many downtown buildings including the original Radisson Hotel. Ted retired in 1981 as Chief Building Inspector for the City of Kalamazoo. Ted served as a member of both the Michigan Construction Commission and the International Council of Building Officials, serving as president of the Michigan chapter. He was also an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects Association. Ted was an avid boater and fisherman on Lake Michigan. Ted and Lois loved traveling and spent many years in retirement seeing the country, golfing, and wintering in Arizona and Florida. ?Poppie? loved his family and took great pride in their successes. Visits with his grandchildren and close friends were always a special event. His love of the Detroit Tigers was known by all; never missing the opportunity to listen to a game and reveling in their success in 2006!A graveside service and inurnment of cremains will be take place on Friday, November 24th, 12:00 noon at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity, 525 E. Kalamazoo St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.