Lynn "Tiny" Ray

The place for the ceremony has been changed to Faith Reformed Church. The visitation and ceremony details are in the bottom of the obituary.

Lynn N. (Tiny) Ray of Acme, Michigan peacefully passed away in Traverse City on Saturday July 13th, 2024 with his wife by his side. He was born in Muskegon February 23rd, 1945 to Lowell and LaDore (Whiteford) Ray who were temporarily working there due to WWII.

Tiny was a legendary charter boat fishing captain on east Grand Traverse Bay. He was a true outdoorsman who loved spending time at his cabin near Lake City, when he was not fishing on the bay. He also enjoyed many competitive games of cribbage and euchre while relaxing at the cabin with family and friends. There may have also been some spirits and libations along with various other shenanigans with his buddies during hunting camp trips and during his younger years with classmates ... which may (or may not be) why there’s no longer a water fountain at the Traverse City Central High School.

Tiny loved teaching younger people how to hunt and fish. Many of his First Mates over the years went on to win first place in the "Salmon Classic" competitions. Tiny served as a board member for the "Michigan United Conservation Commission" and was instrumental in establishing size limits with fish. His contributions to hunting and fishing are far too great to be individually listed.

Along with his wife Rosemary, Tiny operated the successful Pisces Charter Fishing business for 32 years before retiring. As his great friend, Pat Cole said, “Rosemary did the books and ran the business; Tiny was the talent”.

To say that Tiny was a good athlete would be an understatement. Despite his size, Tiny was well known for his great dancing ability. He excelled at football and basketball, enjoying pitching blooper ball after his high school years. He was a proud member of the Traverse City Trojan Football State Championship team of 1961, graduating from Traverse City Central in 1962.

Tiny and his older brother Clare were Kings of the last Cherry Festival's "Mummers Parade" held in 1966. They were crowned the "Mummer Twins" by coach Ooley himself.

While in high school, Tiny enjoyed driving his old Model T and putting on his Santa suit during Christmas time to pass out candy canes to kids at various stores downtown. He was a big man with a heart to match.

Tiny was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Clare Sr. (Elaine) Ray, who was his only sibling.

Tiny is survived by his wife Rosemary after 50 years of being together. He called her "Queenie” and named their fishing boat "Savage Queen" after her. Tiny was the stepfather to Rosemary's children Susan, Rick, Karri (Roger), Debbie (Barry), grandchildren Christopher (Amanda), Chelsea (Drew), Thomas, Kayla, Gina (Scott), Anna and Emily along with two great-grandchildren Travis and Kai and a “grandchild of love”, Sarah (Jacob) and her children.

Tiny is also survived by his first wife Beverly Bannen, his daughter Tamara Lentz (Todd), grandchildren Amanda and Alexander and his namesake great-granddaughter Addalyn.

Tiny had a special relationship with his nephews Clare Jr. and Mark Ray, and his niece Pam Mervau. He was truly blessed to have an abundance of great friends throughout his life.

The family is being served by Life Story Funeral Home at 400 Hammond Road in Traverse City and we ask that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to your personal charity of choice.

The family will receive visitors from 3 pm to 7 pm, Monday July 22nd at Life Story Funeral Home. The Memorial Ceremony will be held at 11am, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Faith Reformed Church, 1139 E. Front St., Traverse City followed by a luncheon at The Traverse City Elks Club at 1:30 pm. Private burial will be held at Acme Twp., Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.