Kenneth Ray Cash
Kenneth Ray Cash, son of the late Warren Cash and Glady Mae (Troutman) Cash, was born in Black, Missouri, on January 23, 1933. He departed this life at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri, on January 15, 2021, at the age of 87.
Ray grew up in Black Missouri working for his dad in the sawmill and on the farm. With a 10th grade education Ray began his working career trimming trees for bell telephone at the age of 16. A few years later he landed a job at Champagne Furniture Co. on Jefferson and Guyer streets in St. Louis, Missouri making $.92 cents per hour.
At the age of 19 on September 13, 1952, in Arcadia, Missouri, Ray married the love of his life Byrtle Lee Smith and to this loving union three children were born. He often said the day he married Byrtle was the luckiest day of his life. Byrtle preceded him in death on February 25, 2017.
Ray retired from Yellow Freight (Teamsters Union) after 35 years. Not sure of what retirement really meant he immediately bought a 1948 green Chevy flat bed pickup and began cutting firewood. Eventually he cut and skidded logs. He worked from dawn till dusk in the woods. Byrtle often told him he never knew when to get out of the woods.
If there were one thing for certain it would be that Ray loved Byrtle. Anyone that knew Ray knew she was the love of his life. Ray loved his children and continually told them so. Always doing whatever he could to help them. He enjoyed his grand children and never missed an opportunity to “take them along” wherever he went. Everything he did for his family was from a place of love.
Ray enjoyed vegetable gardening and often sold potatoes from the back of his Chevy Chevette. He exceptionally enjoyed giving vegetables to his family and friends.
Ray never missed an opportunity to make someone smile. He was quick-witted and loved telling silly jokes and completely enjoyed making someone laugh. He made people laugh even when that wasn’t his intention. The memories are many like the time he shot a huge hole in the back of the shed trying to shoot at a ground hog. The ground hog lived to see another day.
Ray loved the Lord and church has been his greatest joy. Ray was ordained into the ministry on July 3rd, 1965. Ray loved to preach, and he was the Pastor at the Pleasant Union United Baptist Church for many years. Ray had the gift of song writing and no matter where he went, he sang his songs to anyone. Even in the gas station and grocery store. He would often say he would sing and preach at Madison Square Gardens if given the opportunity. He served 55 years in the ministry and was blessed to bring the gospel in 9 states. Ray was a model for how to share God’s love and many have said he was the real deal. If there ever was a man who exemplifies love, hope, and faith in all that they are, it would be Ray Cash.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and one brother, Donald Cash.
Ray is survived by two sons, Donnie Cash of Oates, Missouri, and Stephen Cash and wife Linda of Imperial, Missouri, one daughter, Sandra Allen and husband Christopher of St. Peters, Missouri, two brothers, Jimmy Cash of Black, Missouri, and Frank Cash of Arcadia, Missouri, one sister, Lou Rawie of Fenton, Missouri, seven grandchildren, Megan, Rachel, Heather, Jennifer, Brittani, Joshua, and Brandon, and eight great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Jocelin, Tristin, Isabella, Quinn, Jackson, Charlotte and Miles.
Ray left a rich legacy and it has been said, “If you ever met Ray Cash you will never forget him”. He is loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Visitation: Tuesday, January 19, 2021, from 4 PM – 8 PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri
Funeral: Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 10 AM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri
Minister: Elder Dennis Burns assisted by Elder Denny Mathes
Burial: Smith Cemetery
In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to Pleasant Union United Baptist Church
Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Lesterville, Missouri
