Ray Henshaw

Ray Henshaw was born during the Great Depression in Kingsmill, Arkansas and found his way to Myrtle Point, Oregon. Here he met lifelong best friends and most importantly, his future bride, Joyce Ann Wilder.  They settled in Myrtle Point to raise three children, Stevie, Brad, and Pam.

Early in  their marriage, Ray was a cheesemaker at the Safeway facility In Myrtle Point.  Later, he would become a much beloved bus driver and then, the transportation supervisor for the MYrtle Point school district.  As a staunch supporter of quality music and athletic programs for children, he attended countless music events and games.  He simply loved kids.

Community Service played a major role in his life. He was a volunteer fireman (captain) for over 30 years, one of Myrtle Points first EMTs, a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge (officer) and delivered meals to Meals on Wheels recipients. He belonged to the Lions and Rotary clubs. 

He was awarded “Citizen of the Year” by the Myrtle Point Chamber of Commerce and “EMT of the Year” by the Myrtle Point EMT Association. Ray was an avid golfer with a quirky backswing and a fervent Oregon Duck fan.

 

Kind. Gentle. Honest. Giving. Words which so aptly describe him. “Believes the best in people. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t. There’s always a silver lining”. Statements he lived by and passed to his children.

 

He’s survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce Henshaw; daughter, Pam Schroeder and son-in-law Bruce Schroeder of Sunriver, OR; son, Brad Henshaw and daughter-in-law Kim Henshaw of Myrtle Point, OR and grandchildren Tyler, Kameron, Stephen, Karissa, Gabby, Jacob, Kenzie; three great grandchildren, Emory, Reid and Rainn; sisters, Dorothy White of Baton Rouge, LA; and Barbara Blaylock of Rayville, LA ; brothers Danny Joe of Famerville, LA and Chester Henshaw of Oak Grove, LA.

 

He is preceded in death by his son, Stephen Ray Henshaw (7 yrs old); mother, Ruby Turner; father, Chester Henshaw; sisters, Georgie Gilkison, Wilma Smith, Carol Wright, and Linda Townson.

 

See you in Heaven.  Love you forever.