Karl E. Ray, 62, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, after an extended illness with COPD. Karl was born January 29, 1961, in Akron, Ohio to Aaron Ray and Eloise Thompson. Karl attended Akron Schools and graduated from North High School in 1979, where he studied Restaurant Services.

Karl loved to cook and worked at Quaker Square, where he trained under the head chef. He could make a dynamite breakfast, and always had to make that breakfast when he came home. He made the best spaghetti you ever wanted to eat. Karl loved to watch old cowboy movies until the Cleveland Browns or Ohio State had a game on TV.

Karl was very argumentative, and he did not stop until he got his point across; he was very opinionated.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aaron & Ethel Ray, and Pauline Townsley “Lil Mama,” and Turner Broady; stepmother, Joann Ray; stepfather, Mose Thompson; uncles, Nathaniel Ray, Elmer Hammonds and J.O. Townsley; aunt, Jean Ray; and nephew, Terrell Ray.

Karl is survived by his son, Damion (Jamie) Malott; daughter, Katrisha (Lavale) Crandall; dedicated and loving companion, Katasha Frizzell; grandchildren, Noah and Stella Malott; father, Aaron Ray; mother, Eloise Thompson; brothers, Kenneth and Kelly Ray; sisters, Karen (Eric) Bryant and Kimberly (Mercer) Mitchell; aunties, Mary Hammond, Barbara Townsley and Carolyn (Ted) Martin; six nieces, Renitha, Eloise, Kenisha, Danay, Kellie, and TaCara; four nephews, Kenny, Vance, Dayton and Trillion; 10 great nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.