Carroll “Ray” Brown, 85, of Santa Maria, passed away July 25, 2020. Ray was born in Erick, Oklahoma, on Aug. 13, 1934 to Joseph Wesley and Nanalee Brown.

Ray proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, spending most of his enlistment in England and Germany. Upon his discharge, he returned to Spearman, Texas, where he met Patsy Jean McNeely whom he married in 1956.

In 1958, Ray moved his family to Santa Maria, where he worked for local farming companies, including 20 years with Tani Farms as a welder, before retiring from Rancho Harvest in 1998.

In retirement, Ray enjoyed shooting pool and playing bingo at Mussell Center.

Ray was predeceased by his wife Pat; his parents J.W. and Nanalee Brown; his siblings Helen Hand, Nina Hiller, Wayne Brown and Wanda Lanham; and his great-granddaughter Alexandra “Lexi” Ray Brown.

Ray will be greatly missed by his son and his wife, Wes and Liz Brown; by his grandsons and their wives Jon and Lisa, Ryan and Jessica, and Jim and Yesenia Brown; and by his great-grandchildren Carter, Olivia and Parker Brown. Ray will also be missed by Liz’s brothers and their families, extended family and friends, many of whom affectionately referred to him as Papa.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge, outside on the patio. Cowboy boots and hats will be the theme of the celebration. Social distancing and masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to local nonprofit organizations that benefit families battling childhood cancer: Project Lexi Brown at www.projectlexi.org and/or to the Golden Circle of Champions through Elks Recreation. These organizations were near and dear to his heart.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com.