Folson Ray Clouse, known to all simply as Ray, passed away peacefully at his home of more than fifty years on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Ray was born on April 9, 1943, at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, the youngest of four children born to Harry Lee Clouse, Sr. and Rosalie Fern (Hughes) Clouse.

In 1960, Ray left Springfield to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a jet fighter mechanic. While stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, he met the love of his life, Ruby Mae Guilliam. They were married on June 17, 1962, in Yukon, Oklahoma, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, loyalty, and devotion.

After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ray returned to Springfield with his family and began his civilian career—first as a welder and later as a machinist. In both trades, he was highly skilled, hardworking, and deeply respected.

At the age of 29, Ray accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Soon thereafter, he was baptized and joined Hamlin Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member for the rest of his life.

Ray was known for his deep love of country, family, and fishing, and for his unmistakable smile and infectious laughter. He always had a joke or story ready—or was just as happy listening to one from someone else. His humor, gentle spirit, and loyalty made him a trusted and treasured friend to many.

Ray loved to build, create, and grow things. Whether he was working metal, carving wood, or tending his garden, he took pride in doing things well. His tomato plants were legendary, and in his later years, he planted pecan trees that his family will continue to nurture in his honor. He made his own hot sauce from homegrown tomatoes and peppers, carefully perfecting a recipe that was uniquely his. Ray also loved music—both listening and playing—and he and Ruby could often be found dancing together. For many years, Ray enjoyed Friday nights listening to live country and bluegrass music, where he formed dear and lasting friendships.

Much of Ray’s creativity was shared through acts of service. He designed and built a pediatric wheelchair for his great-niece Summer, constructed a backhoe from scratch, and gifted friends and family with his hand-carved woodwork—pieces that will be cherished for generations.

Ray was humble, kind, hardworking, and quietly generous;, a good friend to many and a steady presence to all who knew him.

Above all, Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family fiercely and cared deeply for everyone fortunate enough to be part of his life.

Ray is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruby Mae Clouse; his daughter, Sherry (Greg) Day; his son, Michael (Candiance) Clouse; his grandsons, Evan Clouse and Hunter (Bethany) Clouse; his brother and sisters, Harry Lee Clouse, Jr. (Donetta), Anna Ray (Jack), and Altheda “Skeeter” Decker; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws; and his much-loved dog, Buddy.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Greenlawn North in Springfield, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at Greenlawn North at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, followed by graveside military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ray’s legacy of faith, generosity, craftsmanship, laughter, and love lives on in all who knew him.