Ray S. Perry III

Ray S. Perry III April 30, 1963 -January 24, 2023 Bellingham, WA. Ray finally won his battle with his long-term illness, when he entered his heavenly home and into the arms of Jesus on January 24, 2023. He was 59 years old.

Ray was born in Houston, TX. He was known by friends and family as “Trey” to distinguish his family lineage as third generational. He attended Terra Linda High School while living in San Rafael, CA and then moved to Alaska and attended East Anchorage High School.

He studied music during his academic career and as a result, became an accomplished musician, mainly focusing his craft as an acoustic guitarist. He had the good fortune to show case his abilities when he joined a local band in San Rafael, CA and played professionally for several years.

When he was in his early 20s, he was hired as a crew member on a commercial fishing vessel out of Dutch Harbor, AK, and it was during that time he met Leslie, and they welcomed a baby boy into the world in 1983 who they named Chevi. It was when Ray was traveling through WA State years later that he met Deb of Bellingham, and the two of them enjoyed a wonderful life together for the last 21 years of Ray’s life. The subject of another one of Ray’s great pride and joy was his beloved 14-year-old Norwegian Forest Cat, Jinxy.

Ray was pre-deceased by his father, Ray Spencer Perry, Jr. He will be greatly missed by his survivors; his son, Chevi Perry of Wasilla, AK; his parents, Steve & Betty Dodge of Austin, TX; his partner of 21 years, Deb of Bellingham; his step-children, Corey Sobjack, Brandon Sobjack, Danielle Corbett, and his especially beloved granddaughter, Skylar Lynn Corbett-Moore. He cherished his relationships with friends and family and would be the first to offer a generous helping hand to those in need.

Please join us for a celebration of Ray’s life on his 60th birthday, Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Laurel Community Baptist Church, 162 W. Laurel Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226, next to Meridian High School.