Raymond Alfrey

Raymond Leon Alfrey, age 86, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, from complications from a recent fall.

Ray was born May 12, 1929, in Melrose, to James Ray (Dick) Alfrey and Thelma Caroline Koontz Alfrey. Ray had two brothers, Floyd L. Alfrey of Sweetwater and Harold J. Alfrey, who passed away in April 2015.

Ray graduated from Lapwai High in 1948. He married Sharon Lee Wilson in Sweetwater on Dec. 24 of the same year.

He was employed as a route driver for Arden Farms Dairy and later owned Ray Alfrey Floors, a hardwood floor installation business. Moving to Pierce in 1967, Ray was employed by Jaype Plywood Mill in the glue loft.

Ray and Sharon were both very involved with the Lions Clubs, 1860 Days and the Pierce community. During the years they resided in Pierce, Ray was elected mayor and served one full term and was re-elected to a second that was cut short because of a stroke. This resulted in his resignation as mayor and early retirement from Jaype.

Ray and Sharon then moved to Spalding, where he most recently resided. He and Sharon enjoyed many winters in Yuma, Ariz., before Sharon's passing in 2001. Ray continued to winter in Yuma with his constant companion of 10 years, Penny Rickett.

Throughout his life, his interests were many. He drove stock cars, was deputy sheriff of the Nez Perce Sheriff's Air Posse, enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Orofino Golf Course. He was a gun collector, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He continued to play pool once a week with his group in Yuma.

Ray was the father of four children, Connie Ray (Ron) Fauver, Regina Jo McGee (deceased), Sheri (Mike) Troutwine, Tommie Deal (Gloria) Alfrey; the grandfather of six, Wendi Rea, Amy Lane, Brookie (Mac) McCoy, Michael Ray Troutwine, Josh (Jenna) Alfrey and Courtney Alfrey; and the great grandfather of 12, Autumn, Olivia, and Emmaline Rea, Avery, Peyton, and Connor Lane, Ryan and Cassidy McCoy, Nevaeh Raylee Troutwine, Kaden, Cannon and Kingston Alfrey. Ray is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering to honor Ray in Lewiston from 3 to 6 p.m. next Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1104 Warner Ave. Memorial donations may be made to the Lions Club or the charity of one's choice.