Ray Lee Etherly

Etherly, Ray Lee Age 70, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Albuquerque, New Mexico following a year and a half battle with Leukemia. Mr. Etherly was preceded in death by his mother Cozetta Etherly. Ray is survived by his wife of 40 years Lynda Etherly and daughter Jasmine Etherly, three children from a previous marriage son David Etherly and wife Stephanie Etherly, daughter Celeste (Etherly) Smith and husband Jerae Smith, son Michael Etherly, grandchildren Tamika Etherly and Nathaniel Etherly, father Dan Etherly, sister Bertha Bailey, nephew Jack Bailey, niece Christine Bailey and extended family. Ray was born January 9, 1943 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Dan and Cozetta Etherly. The family moved to New Mexico when he was a small child. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1961, where he was a nationally ranked track and field sprinter. "Rocket Ray" won New Mexico state championships in the 100 and 220 yard sprints three years in succession 1959-1961 setting state records. Ray competed in three national AAU meets, 1960-1962. In 1961, he ran a 9.3 in the 100 and 20.3 in the 220. Ray was inducted into the Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He owned and operated Olympia Building Maintenance for 20 years. In later years, he spent his time crafting jewelry and wood products. He also enjoyed part-time work transporting dealership cars throughout New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. Ray loved to make others laugh and smile, he was a loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Macedonia Baptist Church. 1509 Edith SE, Albuquerque. Reverend N. Darnell Smith Officiating. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800