Ray was born in Natural Dam, Arkansas to William Jackson Hooser and Ada (Russell) Hooser. he worked at Digorgio Farms as a box maker and while there, he met Audrey Pope who was packing plums. The couple married on June 27, 1952 and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year. Ray enlisted in the Army in January of 1953 and was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. While at Fort Lewis the couple welcomed their daughter Janice, born at Madigan Hospital on October 12, 1953. While in the Army he was trained through the culinary division. He attained the rank of Corporal and was discharged in 1955 and the couple returned to Arvin. Ray worked as the head cook for the Tuberculosis hospital in Keene, CA. In 1957 he began his work at the Arvin Union School District as a bus driver, and the following year he and Audrey welcomed a son, Randy, who was born in March of 1958. After 36 years Ray retired as Building and Grounds Supervisor. Once he retired, Ray and Audrey bought a campsite in Pismo, CA. They enjoyed traveling with long time friends, the Waldons, around half of the United States. His favorite past time was making paper hats, boats and planes for his grandchildren and the children they encountered when out to eat. Ray also loved Dr. Pepper, word search books, and reading his Bible. He was a long time member of the Arvin Assembly of God Church. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Ada Hooser; sisters, Edna, Ruth, Mary Lou and Ruby; brothers, Joseph, William, Marvin, Buster, Jim, Russell and Leon. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; daughter, Janice Garcia (Dan); son, Randy Hooser; grandchildren, Frankie Poyner (Lynda) and Nicole Aguilar (Casimiro); great grandchildren, Ashley (Matt), Dylan, Joshua, Addison, Jose the III, Johnathan, Briana, Makenzie, Aliyana and Gabriel; and one great great granddaughter, Elizabeth; along with many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed.