A well-respected lorry driver and family man from Ely has died at the age of 82.
Ray William Neal passed away peacefully at the Vera James Care Home on July 3.
He was born in Prickwillow and lived at Folly Farm, before later moving to Ely.
His love of lorry driving led him to work for Mr Buck and Mr Cant Agriculture, Charles Grey Coach Driving and Chambers and Standens of Little Downham.
While driving, he met Mary and they married in 1963.
They went on to have two children together, Stephen and Julie, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ray loved sharing family holidays in caravans, camping and spending time at the chalet near the coast.
He also enjoyed his breaks away with Mary, including coach trips and holidays abroad.
In later years he was a custodian at King’s Ely School until his retirement.
In his spare time he had a special interest in his allotment and watching cowboy and war films, motorcycle scrambles, going to line dances and airshows.
The funeral took place on July 24 at St Mary’s Church in Ely before going on to Ely Cemetery.
The family would like to convey their appreciation for all the lovely cards, messages, condolence phone calls and enquiries.
“The exceptional amount of people who attended the service on such a hot day and the military service provided by the cubs and British Legion would have made him so proud,” they added.
A collection of £325 was raised for Thyroid UK.
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