Ray Richard Phipps

It is with deep sympathy, Ray Phipps, passed on December 1, 2025 in Fresno California, with his loving wife Alice holding his hand. Ray was a loyal, loving, outspoken man with strong convictions.

Born on February 26, 1934 in Wellington, Kansas, Ray grew up in Belle Plain, Kansas up until the age of 10. He, his mother, and brother moved to Fresno, California thereafter. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1952. After graduating he pursued a career with Mayfair Markets and later a market in Mariposa until retirement.

Through his 20s and 30s, he was an avid golfer and bowler, participating in several bowling leagues and always maintaining an average score in the high 180s. While he took pride in his golf trophy for achieving a hole-in-one, his favorite passion was fishing, especially bass fishing. Ray took part in several fishing tournaments, doing well in several. However, the greatest achievements did not compare to the enjoyment he got from all the time he spent on the lake fishing with his sons and the shared love of the experience. His love of sports did not end in just those that he would partake in, he was an avid San Francisco 49ers, Giants, and Warriors fan. Being born in Kansas, he wouldn't miss the Kansas college sports teams either. Ray loved watching pro golf and always pulled for his favorite player Phil Michelson. He also loved choosing horses for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont races with his daughter. In the past few years, his hobbies also included playing "Words with Friends" with his youngest daughter, which drove his love for competition. Ray's greatest love of all though was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always giving them dollar bills when he saw them.

For more than forty years, Ray lived with his wife Alice in Catheys Valley, California. In his early years he raised cows, bulls, chickens, and a very mean rooster, naming each cow or bull after his grandkids. He and Alice lived this peaceful life in a home with a beautiful view of Catheys Valley.

He is preceded in death by his brother Chester Phipps, his mother Pauline Patton, and his father Julius Phipps.

Ray is survived by his first wife Frances Phipps and their children, daughter Lana Fernandez, son Jay Phipps and wife Evelyn, son Charles Wyatt Phipps and daughter Laureen Hill and husband Victor.

Ray is survived by his current wife Alice (Nalbandian) Phipps, just shy of their 50th anniversary by 3 days, and her daughters, Karen Villarreal and husband Art, Kathy Crain and husband Mike.

He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.