RAY, James Fayette, Beeville Bee, Friday, 23 Aug 1907:

JAMES FAYETTE RAY OBITUARY
James Fayette RAY, one of the most widely known and highly esteemed ranchmen 
of the county, expired suddenly at his home in Pettus Tuesday evening, the 20th of 
August 1907, his death being due to heart failure. He had been down town on horseback 
and on returning called to his wife, who was sitting on the porch, that he experienced 
some difficulty in breathing. She and Charles BRUNDETT assisted him from his horse 
to the porch where he breathed his last. News of the death of Mr. Ray was received with 
universal regret all over the county. 

He had grown from childhood to manhood in this section. He was the eldest son of the 
late Elijah Ray, and grew up in this section, his earlier days being spent in the activities 
incident to life in an undeveloped country. With the gradual change that this section 
underwent in its development, he adapted himself to the new conditions with good 
judgment and business ability, so that middle life found him a man of comfortable fortune.

Mr. Ray, had he lived, would have been fifty-six years of age, being born Aug. 4, 1851 in 
Fayette County, Alabama. Besides a brother and several sisters, he leaves to mourn his 
loss and revere his memory, a devoted wife, one son and four daughters. His remains were 
interred in the new cemetery at this place on Wednesday evening, the funeral being 
conducted by the Masonic Fraternity, of which he had been a useful and exemplary member 
since early manhood.