Ray Anthony Dazey

May 4, 1957 – August 15, 2026

Ray Anthony Dazey, 69, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, memories, family, friends, and—quite possibly—enough “collectables” to keep everyone busy for a while.

Born on May 4, 1957, to Richard and Marion Dazey, Ray lived life very much in his own way. He was hardworking, patriotic, endlessly interesting, and never seemed to be at a loss for a story to tell. And if you had the time to listen, chances are Ray had another one ready to go.

Ray proudly served our great nation as a member of the United States Army. His military service was an important chapter in his life and something deserving of great respect. The values of hard work, determination, and perseverance stayed with him throughout his years.

Following his time in the Army, Ray spent many years working as a drywall installer. It was demanding, hands-on work that required skill, patience, and a willingness to put in a hard day's labor—qualities Ray certainly possessed. Over the years, there were undoubtedly plenty of walls and ceilings throughout the area that benefited from Ray's handiwork.

But work was only one part of Ray's story.

Give Ray a pool cue and a good game of billiards, and he was right at home. Whether the game was friendly or there were bragging rights on the line, Ray enjoyed the competition, the conversation, and everything that came with spending time around a pool table. As anyone who enjoys billiards knows, sometimes the stories told between shots are every bit as important as the game itself—and Ray certainly knew how to handle that part.

Ray was also a man of many, many “collectables.”

And “many” might still be putting it mildly.

Where someone else might have seen an ordinary item, Ray could see something worth keeping. There was always another interesting piece, another treasure, another thing that might come in handy someday, or something that simply deserved a place in the collection. Ray understood something the rest of us sometimes forget: you never really know when you're going to need that thing you've been saving for the last 20 years.

Of course, no remembrance of Ray would be complete without mentioning his stories.

Ray loved telling a good one.

Some were funny. Some were memories. Some probably became a little better with each retelling. And some may have started with one subject, wandered through three or four others, and eventually found their way back to the original point. But that was part of the experience. When Ray had a story to tell, you settled in and listened.

Those stories, his sense of humor, his collections, his years of hard work, and the countless ordinary moments shared with the people around him are what made up a life that was unmistakably his.

Ray is survived by his son, Daniel; his brothers, Terry, Paul, Richard, and David; along with extended family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have shared a conversation, a story, or a game of pool with him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Ray Jr.; his sister, Debbie; and his parents, Richard and Marion Dazey.

There are certain people who leave behind more than photographs and possessions. They leave behind phrases you can still hear them saying, stories everyone remembers a little differently, jokes that will continue to be repeated, and moments that somehow become more meaningful with time.

Ray was one of those people.

His family will remember the man behind all those stories—the brother, the father, the veteran, the hardworking drywall installer, the pool player, and the collector who could always find value in something worth hanging onto.

And perhaps that's an appropriate way to remember Ray: as someone who knew the value of keeping things.

He kept his collectables. He kept his stories. He kept his memories.

Now, the people who loved him will keep his.

Friends may call on the family at:
Schneeberger-Oser Funeral Home on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m.

A service celebrating Ray's life will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by full military honors in recognition of his honorable service to our country.

A private inurnment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

So, in Ray's memory, tell a good story. Play a game of pool. Hang onto something that everyone else insists you don't need.

And if the story gets a little longer and a little better every time you tell it, well...

Ray probably wouldn't mind that one bit.