CAUDILL, Ray, 74, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on September, 14, 2009. Ray was born to Leslie and Rena (Johnson) Caudill in Farmers, Kentucky, on September 29, 1934.

Ray is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sarah Catherine Russ, originally from Bloomington, Indiana. They have one daughter, Lisa, son-in-law, Ken, and one grandson, Jeremy, whom he loved dearly. He also has seven loving brothers and sisters: Chalmer (deceased) and wife, Ruth; Juel and husband, Lloyd (deceased); Geneva Nease Lewman (deceased) and husbands Junior (deceased) and Henry; Everett and wife, Janet; Ruth and husband, Ralph; Emma (deceased) and husband Dick (deceased); and Leonard and wife, Barbara.

Ray joined the United States Air Force just out of high school, where he served in the Korean War. Ray had the honor to serve in The 10th SRS unit, flying secret missions 1000 miles into Russia. Not knowing at the time, but these missions were secret, and played a huge role in obtaining secret information about the Russians, a fact that brought him great pride throughout his life.

Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he went to Ball State University and earned an English degree, and taught high school English and also coached basketball. He was a self-proclaimed bad coach, but a lover of poetry.

He met his future wife Sarah while he was a teacher, then joined the Civil Service, enjoying a 33 year career which enabled him to travel all over the country, consulting with Air Force bases rewriting programs and restructuring organizations. Ray won every award and honor that the Air Force had to offer. He humbly hid most of his honors behind the couch or in his desk.

Upon his retirement from the Civil Service, he earned a masters in Counseling and became a Licensed Professional Counselor, serving many families, teens, substance abuse programs, grief programs, the Montgomery Public School System, incarcerated juvenile programs, and domestic violence programs. As he began to slow down, he did volunteer work for his church in a variety of ministries and for Vista Care Hospice as a support group facilitator. Ray was also a V.I.P. with the Montgomery Police Department, proudly serving the City of Montgomery. He will be missed by so many.

Funeral Services held on Thursday, September 17, 2009 in the Worship Center of Saint James United Methodist Church in Montgomery.