Joseph Ray Gatewood

Joseph Ray Joe Ray Gatewood, 81, went to be with the Lord on December 7, 2015, surrounded by family and music at his home in Frankfort, KY. Joe Ray was born to Albert Ray and Virginia Claxon Gatewood on August 4, 1934 in Frankfort, KY. He graduated from Frankfort High School and attended Transylvania University where he was a soloist with the traveling choir. He married Anne Winfrey on August 28, 1954. He worked for the Kentucky Highway Department, retiring in 1988 and he also retired from the City of Frankfort. In addition, he was on call as a Command Sergeant Major in the US Army Reserve for 39 years. Joe Ray was a member of Hiram Lodge #4 FandAM. He was a life-long member of First Christian Church and after retirement he dedicated his remaining time to nurturing relationships as an elder and choir member at First Christian. He was involved in numerous charity events, and with his children and grandchildren''s sports and musical events. He enjoyed his Saturday morning breakfasts with his men''s group, and his monthly Cousins Lunch. He was very proud of his family and when they did well he would tell anyone who would listen - It''s a Gatewood thing! Music was a big part of his life. He sang in barbershop quartets and with the Capital Chorale. He also sang on tour in Europe with the Transylvania Choir well after becoming a senior citizen. He never met a stranger and was always positive, even when faced with health challenges. He enjoyed teaching his Sunday school class from time to time, loved to learn and quote scripture, and loved to quiz family members on their knowledge of the Bible. Joe Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne, and sister, Anita (Jack) Marston of Chicago, son David Michael (Heather) Gatewood, daughter Sarah Gatewood (Jim) Webb, and five grandchildren - Alden Gatewood, Adyson Gatewood, Asher Gatewood, Jimmy Webb and Joey Webb, as well as being the favorite relative of the rest of the family. Visitation for Joe Ray will be Thursday, December 10, at First Christian Church in Frankfort from 5-8 pm. The funeral will be held at First Christian Church on Friday, December 11 at 2 pm. Burial with military honors will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Gatewood, Alden Gatewood, Jim Webb, Andrew Winfrey, Brian Sweeney, and Steve Marston. The family would appreciate expressions of sympathy in his memory to First Christian Church, 316 Ann Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 or Hospice of the Bluegrass, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, KY 40601. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared via the online guest book at www.harrodbrothers.com

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Joseph Ray Gatewood

August 4, 1934 - December 7, 2015