Ray James (Donnie) Hester, 81, of Palm Bay, died at 10:00 pm, Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Palm Bay Hospital in Palm Bay, FL. He was born February 22, 1934 in Detroit, MI. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert (Frank) and Ella (Robinson) Hester, his three brothers, Bruce, Robin, and Dale, and his loving wife Joyce.

He was married to Joyce Ann Ash November 3, 1956, which was the love of his life as they've known each other since 3 years old. They were married for 54 years before her death in March 2010. Ray is survived by his children; Mary, Gregg (Jamie), Judy (Kirk), Patrick, Kelly (Rick), Christopher, Katie, Mike, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ray was a long time resident of Vicksburg, MI before moving to Palm Bay, FL in November 2007. He retired from General Motors of Kalamazoo, MI in 1993. Ray loved to work on cars, watch football, play golf, go for walks, eat out, enjoy the ocean, and relax on his porch. He was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed.

Services for Ray will be held Thursday, October 15, 2015 at "Our Lady of Lourdes" Catholic Church and all arrangements have been made through Davis-Seawinds Funeral Home, both in Melbourne, FL.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Ray's memorial page at www.davisseawinds.com