Ray Vonual McCarty

Ray Vonual McCarty, 90, of Visalia, left this life to join his Heavenly Father on December 12, 2023, due to respiratory failure. Ray was born in Story, Arkansas on September 25, 1933, to Arrie and Sherman McCarty. He joined his brother, Loyston, who was 7 years older. The family of four, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins, moved to California soon after, settling near Cameron Creek. Times were hard during the Depression, and the whole family contributed, mainly by working in the fields. Their table was never empty, and they always welcomed guests. Eventually the family opened a fruit stand, and then a grocery store. Ray attended grade school in Visalia, where his teacher was Veva Blunt. Between school and working at the family grocery store, Ray had a busy childhood. His favorite hobby was basketball, and he devoted every spare second shooting baskets. He graduated from Visalia High School in 1951. He joined the Air Force in 1953 during the Korean War. He was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert. He worked as a jet engine mechanic, and played basketball on the Air Force basketball team. During one of his weekends off, he met his love, Freda Mae Kile, while "cruising at The Oval" in Visalia. They were married on September 3, 1955, and lived on base until Ray was honorably released from active duty in 1957. He attended College of the Sequoias and was an outstanding player on the basketball team, making the State All-Tournament team, among other honors. He transferred to Fresno State and continued his successful career in basketball. He graduated with a math/business major in 1961. Ray and Freda lived in Kingsburg during the 1960's. He worked for the Del Monte corporation as a buyer. They had two children- Kile (1964), and Kristen (1966). They ultimately settled in Visalia in 1969. Ray began farming when they moved to Visalia and continued to do so for the rest of his life. Over the years he grew many different crops including raisins, peaches, plums, walnuts, and oranges. After a few years at Del Monte, he decided to pursue a teaching credential and was hired by Tulare Western High School. He loved teaching math, and lessons of the "real world", to students for 28 years. He developed close friendships with colleagues and was a mentor for many students. He was the varsity basketball coach at Tulare Western, where he was able to share his knowledge of the game he loved so much. Ray loved golfing. Almost every Friday night, he participated in the Scrambles at Sierra View with many of his close friends. Over the years, he was able to golf all over the country, and even at St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. He and Freda loved traveling in their motorhome all over the states, especially after they retired. They made wonderful memories with friends and family while cruising around in their motorhome. They traveled to many historical sights and checked off most of their bucket list dreams. In 1979, Ray gave his life to God during a Gospel meeting with Jeff Walling. He participated in many ministries over the years including Bible and Breakfast, Jail Ministry, Annie Mitchell School Bible Club, Celebrate Recovery, various singing groups - including the Turkey Transit Singers - and visiting the sick in hospitals and care facilities. He always had a song in his heart and was more than happy to sing for an audience. Ray was a storyteller. He loved to visit with friends and family, sharing funny tales and words of wisdom. He also loved giving. If you knew Ray for any period of time, he would size you up and have a selection of clothes for you by the next time he saw you. He delivered fruit and other food to family and friends on a regular basis. He was just like his mother - never wanting to see anyone go hungry. He loved Matthew 25, the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats". He strove to be a follower of God and to always help those in need. He was able to help many families over the years. Even during the last year of his life, when he wasn't able to drive, he often made arrangements for people to pick up food for their families. Ray is survived by his children Kile (and wife Shereen) McCarty, Kris (and husband Kirk) Vossler, his grandchildren Taylor Boyle, Kaitlin McCarty, Ethan (and wife Gabrielle) Boyle, and Megan McCarty. He was preceded in death by his wife Freda in 2020, his mother Arrie in 1998, his father Sherman in 1987, and his brother Loyston in 1999 . His Celebration of Life service will take place at 11:00am, on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Visalia Community Church of Christ on Court and Caldwell in Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Ray Vonual McCarty

September 25, 1933 - December 12, 2023