Ray McKinley Dunwoody, Jr. born Jan. 15, 1929 was received into God's Hands Sept. 12, 2015 at the age of 86 yrs. His caregiver and friend of 5 ½ yrs, Stevenson Ronnie Moncreif, says he was watching the Auburn game when he dozed off and passed peaceably in his sleep.

Ray Dunwoody was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Dolores Harris Dunwoody, his son Martin Joseph D., his daughter Sue Ann Rigo and his parents Ray McKinley Dunwoody, Eva Bell McLain Shaw, and step-mother Willie Mable Kelley Dunwoody. He is survived by his wife, Beila Sue Harmon Dunwoody; his children, Michael Ray Dunwoody (Theresa), Laura Jane Dunwoody Salmons, Gina Powell (Graham), Debbie Jo Hahn (Thomas), and Paul David D.; his half-brother, Tommy Shaw (Nancy); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Loved and respected by hundreds; Ray Dunwoody, a 32nd degree Master Mason, member of the Air Force One Lodge #889, member of the Scottish Rites, served in the Air Force achieving the USAF's highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sargent before retiring. He then went on to become an international & domestic entrepreneur, a real estate investor, an instructor at John Patterson State Technical College, the co-founder of Advocates for Better Government and a dedicated supporter of several influential politicians in support of citizens' rights. A very generous soul, Mr. Dunwoody was always helping the needy, from buying groceries to providing jobs and housing. Though he achieved several remarkable feats in his lifetime, his most remarkable and prideful achievement was the development of his innumerous friends from Governors to laborers; and he considered them all to be his family. He will be greatly missed.

Per his instructions, there will be no viewing and no funeral. Instead, Mr. Brady McKinnon at Magnolia Crematory & Funeral Home received his body and Mr. Dunwoody was cremated Tuesday, Sept. 15th. Mr. Dunwoody preferred a commemorative roast in the form of a party to be provided in his honor to celebrate his life and achievements. Although roasting speakers are by invitation only, all who loved Ray are welcome to come and celebrated his life. The Ray McKinley Dunwoody Jr. Commemorative Roast will be held at the Shriners' Alcazar Temple (555 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117), 3pm Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2015. Invitees, please RSVP or Regrets to 334-799-8244. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Mr. Dunwoody preferred donations to be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children . Donations can be made out to and mailed to the Shriners Temple at the above address.

Published in the MontgomeryAdvertiser.com from Sept. 17 to Sept. 20, 2015.