Rayborn "Ray" Conaway, 71 of Excelsior Springs, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at his home.

Ray was born on April 27, 1947, in Dundee, MS, one of nine children, born to Howard C. and Idenia (Allred) Conaway.  He married Judy Ann Guidry of Port Allen, LA on June 16, 1965.  She preceded him in death on February 12, 2015 four months shy of their 50 ^th wedding anniversary.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include two sons and one daughter: Danny Conaway (Marie Brendal) of Grain Valley, Ken (Sandy) Conaway of Excelsior Springs and Tonya (Bartley) Willim of Richmond; one brother Mike Conaway of Olive Branch, MS and one sister Dorothy "Dot" Cook of Darling, MS; 6 grandchildren: Veronica (Nick) Sievert, Tiffany (Richard) Fletcher, Lexi Willim, Ashlee Willim (TJ Kirkham), Justin Conaway and Nicole Bailey; 3 great grandchildren: Lily Oliphant, Claire Sievert and Benny Fletcher and 2 on the way.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was preceded in death by four brothers: Billy Conaway, Bobby Conaway, Raymond "Bodie" Conaway (his twin) and Donald Conaway; two sisters: Martha Ann Taylor and Bettye Jo Ross.

As a young man one of his first jobs was working at the Circle M Ranch in Senatobia, MS where he developed his love for cattle and agriculture.  He found he had a natural eye and a deep understanding of genetics and breeding programs.

He went on to create programs for the state of Mississippi's dairy industry, to feeding the fastest gaining bull in the state of Tennessee.  Ray's main passion was showing cattle where he also found success on the state and national levels. Ray was noted in several publications during his lifetime including the cover of Polled Herford World.

His passion was not lost for the livestock industry.  He was active in the FFA and 4-H programs where he served as a Livestock Judge for numerous 4-H and State Fairs.  He went on to raise thousands of registered cattle.  He produced both purebred and crossbred Polled Herford, Simmental and Angus cattle with many ranking top in their class.

Ray enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking and fishing.  He especially liked his yearly fishing trip to Milford Lake with the boys.  He spent time watching movies, television shows and vegetable gardening.  One of his favorite things to do was to make a great meal for all of his family, specifically gumbo, corn beard or dressing.  He had a big heart for animals.  He would always take in a stray and his philosophy was – they were not healthy unless they were at least 30 pounds overweight.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made with acts of kindness, love and compassion between family and friends in the spirit of Ray's life.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Rev. Art Endsley to officiate.  Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 13, 2018 at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Burial will follow services in Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com