Steve Lee Ray Sr., 87, of Bridgeport passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, at his home on March 27, 2026. Steve was born on October 27, 1938 in Huntington, WV to the late Juanita Chandler and was later adopted by the late Otho and Izola Ray. Steve lived an incredible life with many adventures, including carrying the Olympic Torch in 1984. He was a veteran, having served as a Sargent in the US Army, 102 Special Forces Detachment, 7 Special Forces Group (Green Beret), Fort Bragg, NC. Steve met his late wife, Verda "Sue" Walters Ray while in the service. It was love at first sight. Steve was later a Bridgeport Volunteer Firefighter where he volunteered for many years, as well as a dedicated employee of Bell Atlantic, where he retired after 42 years of service. After retirement, Steve cared for his late daughter, Terri Ray Vallelonga, and raised his Great Grandson, Cameron Singleton-VanKirk until he was 15 years old. Steve worked most recently for Enterprise Rental Car Service where he was proud to be the "we'll pick you up" guy with 20 years of service there. Steve worked his entire life from age 13, with his first job being the Huntington Dispatch Newspaper, until he finally decided to rest at age 84 from Enterprise. Steve always told incredible stories about his adventures in life, and his humor and wit did not disappoint. He loved watching football, (Go Bengals!) and NASCAR, and collected baseball cards throughout much of his life. He always listened to the police scanner and made sure to alert family of everything going on in town. He was very dedicated to his family and community. To know him was to love him. You couldn't have a conversation with him without laughing to tears. In addition to his parents, wife, and daughter, he was preceded in death by Joffre Rolland Jr., husband of Robin, and 1 sleeping grandson, Elisha David, son of Robin and Joff, and 1 sleeping great-grandchild of granddaughter Brittany Snider. He is survived by his daughter Robin Ray Rolland and fiancé Scott Riggleman of Fairmont, son Steve Ray Jr. and fiancé Mary of Hilton Head, SC, 4 grandchildren, Ashley Vallelonga, Austin Vallelonga, Brittany Snider and husband Jeremy of Wallace, and Sarah Carey and husband Sean Carey of Charleston, and 7 great-grandchildren, Cameron Singleton-VanKirk, Kyley Pumphrey, Ezra Waybright, Connor VanKirk, and Kayleah-Jane VanKirk, and Bailey and Isaiah. He is also survived by a large extended family and many, many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for all ladies to wear a pair of boots to the services in his memory. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 11 am until 1 pm. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 1 pm with Pastor Josh Morgan and Pastor Roy Weese of Covenant Church (Steve's home church) officiating. Interment will be at Bridgeport Cemetery following the service, where he will receive full military honors and be laid to rest next to the love of his life and his daughter. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.