Michael DeWayne Ray 1967-2021 Orem, Utah Michael Ray, a friend and mentor to everyone he met, returned to his heavenly home on September 28, 2021 after complications from cardiac arrest and stroke. During his 54 years on this earth, Mike was full of life and had a personality that filled every room he walked into. He brought love, laughter and a big smile to all who knew him. He lifted and encouraged all those who came in contact with his optimistic, upbeat attitude. Mike's life was filled with faith and he was sure he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. Mike was born on March 1,1967 to Mae Joyce Widemon and Louis E. Ray in Bay City Texas. They taught him to work hard and to trust God. He was a busy, active boy who loved his family, God and playing sports. In high school Mike served as the student body president and excelled in football achieving state recognition for his talents and hard work as a linebacker. One of Mike's high school friends introduced him to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What they taught him resonated deeply within his soul and he decided to be baptize a member in 1985 after graduating from Bay City High School. He received a scholarship to play football at McMurray University in Abilene Texas. A year later he chose to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Lisbon, Portugal (1986-88) where he shared his joy and hope in Christ. While there Mike learned to speak Portuguese and to love the people of Portugal. He was a powerful and influential missionary. After his mission Mike continued his education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and graduated with a BS in psychology in 1992. While at BYU he taught Portuguese for several years at the missionary training center helping other missionaries prepare to serve the Lord. He also taught Seminary in Spanish Fork, Utah. He loved his time at BYU and was always surrounded with friends. After graduation he completed an internship for Pepsi Co. in Denver, CO and worked for OC Tanner Company in Salt Lake City, UT. Mike decided to continue his education and attended the Brigham Young University Law School. He married the love of his life, Lynette Liane Patterson on August 10, 1993 in the Provo, UT Temple. He began law school with determination and Lynette by his side. Mike Graduated with his Juris Doctorate in April 1996, passed the Utah Bar and became a successful international businessman. He loved helping others discover their dreams and accomplish their goals. Mike accomplished much during his lifetime but he would count his family as his greatest joy. Mike and Lynette are parents to four children: Tenika Michele, Brianna Lyn, Michael Samuel, and Joelle Ashley. They also had the privilege of welcoming and raising Justice Fields as a daughter and mentoring Tarnue Ali in their home. Mike was always filled with optimism and positivity. He entered every phase of his life, every new business venture and every event with the determination that everything was going to be great. Mike endured many physical setbacks and health issues. In 2013 Mike had a stroke while vacationing with his wife and daughter in London, England. He lost the ability to speak and was paralyzed on the right side for the remainder of his life. Despite these difficulties he learned to ride a bike, a horse, to ski and snowshoe, and completed several races and distance challenges. He worked daily learning to speak again and shared hope with everyone he could. Mike loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in various capacities in the church throughout his life and loved to share his joy and hope in Christ. The last year of his life Mike again worked for the Seminary program as an aide helping students with disabilities. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mike is survived by his devoted wife Lynette, to whom he was married for 28 years, his children, Tenika (Brandon) Jemmett, Brianna, Michael, and Joelle, 2 grandsons Emerson and Oliver Jemmett, his loving parents Louis and Joyce Ray of Bay City Texas and siblings Louis Ray, Vanessa Ray, Carolyn Stovall (Terry) and Mattie Ray-Peery (Jerome). He is also survived by his Aunt Stacey Widemon-Baylor (Oscar), Uncle Elgin Widemon (Dianna), Great Aunt Dora Tellison and Great Uncle James Dykes as well as many cousins. He was preceded in death by his Grandparents Mary Louise Dykes, Elgin Sylvester Widemon, Louis L. Ray and Allie Mae Dobbins as well as his Uncle Harry Widemon. Michael may not be with us, but he will never be forgotten. He leaves us with a desire to love deeply, forgive quickly, and trust in the Lord for guidance. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on October 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Heatheridge Stake Center, 450 East 2000 North, Orem, UT. A viewing for family and friends will precede Mike's Celebration from 8:30-9:45 a.m.. Interment will be at the Orem Cemetery.