Ann Bridges Ray

Ann Bridges Ray of Warner Robins, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 6, 2026, at the age of 73. Ann was born on January 5, 1953, to Jesse James “Buddy” Bridges and Minnie Irene Boutwell Bridges. She grew up in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and was a proud graduate of Hawkinsville High School, Class of 1971. Services will be held in the chapel of Clark Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 2p.m. with Rev. John Brown and Bro. Jonathan "Tiny" Rogers officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service from 1p.m. to 2p.m. at Clark Funeral Home.

Ann was a member of First United Methodist Church of Warner Robins, where she found joy in serving her church family in any way she could. Ann took great pride in her career and was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to everything she undertook. She began her working career at age 16 with McCranie Motor & Tractor in Hawkinsville and spent 16 years with the company. Ann then dedicated 26 years of civil service to Robins Air Force Base until her retirement in 2011. Alongside her primary career, Ann also took on additional roles throughout her life, managing a video store in Hawkinsville and serving as a leasing agent for Wellston Ridge and Oakdale Villas in Warner Robins. Outside of work, Ann embraced life to the fullest with boundless creativity and joy. She had a wonderful sense of style that she loved expressing through her clothing and jewelry. She took great pleasure in hosting parties, creating beautiful floral arrangements, decorating her home for the holidays, traveling, and cooking for family and friends. Ann never met a stranger and had a gift for talking to anyone she met, making everyone feel welcome.

 Ann leaves behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and cherished memories that will live on through all those who loved her. Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dan K. Ray; her parents, Jesse James “Buddy” Bridges and Minnie Irene Boutwell Bridges; her brothers, Roy Bridges, James Raymond Bridges (Mary), Jack Cleveland Bridges, and Jessie Larry Bridges; and her sister, Lynda Irene Decker. She is survived by her brothers, Paul L. Bridges (Monica) of Hawkinsville and Ronald Bridges of Texas; her sister, Elizabeth Surrency (Danny) of Odum, Georgia; and her daughter, Julie Ann Jenkins of Hawkinsville, Georgia. She is also survived by her three granddaughters, Destiny Desaray Faulk; Kenzie Leanna Chance of Hawkinsville, Georgia; and Katie Googe Burkes (Luke) of Warner Robins, Georgia; as well as her two beloved great-granddaughters, Alora Burkes and Arabella-Jane Burkes. Ann leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who were like family to her. She will also be lovingly remembered by her beloved fur baby, Sir Snowball Ray of the Ray Dynasty, who brought her companionship, joy, and countless happy moments. 

Clark Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.