Ray Jay Ryder

Ray Jay Ryder, age 78, of Mountain Grove, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at his home.

He was born May 3, 1948 in Clifton Forge, a son of the late Rexford George and Maxie Gladys (Jenkins) Ryder.

A man of faith, Ray was baptized and raised in the former Mountain Grove United Methodist Church (now the Mountain Grove Community Church), and there he held a life-long membership.

He retired from Bath County Public Schools, where he had worked as a bus driver and head custodian; additionally, he was a deputy sheriff with the Bath County Sheriff’s Office, as well as a mechanic and attendant at the former County Seat Exxon. He was a charter member of the Mountain Grove Volunteer Fire Department, where he was currently serving as president.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including hunting, trout fishing and was a firearms collector and enthusiast. He had a passion for gardening, growing both flowers and vegetables, and especially enjoyed growing and selling his sweet corn. Ray also enjoyed and took pride in making hay and working the land, visiting and talking with others, sharing stories, and making connections with those around him. He will be remembered for his commitment to family, strong faith, his willingness to help others, and the joy he found in the simple things in life.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother, Rex Grey Ryder; brother Kenneth George Ryder; and nephew, Kenneth Bruce Ryder.

He is survived by his wife, Susan “Collie” (Swadley) Ryder of Mountain Grove; a daughter, Diedra Ryder Bratton and husband, Michael Paul Bratton of Lumber Bridge, NC; sister, Janice Ryder O’Farrell-Leary and husband, Wayne Leary of Mountain Grove and Lyndhurst; grandchildren, Meaghan Kayleigh Ryder and fiancé, Logan Armstrong of Burnsville and Dillon Michael Bratton and wife, Amber Nentwig of South Korea; great-grandchildren, Luke, Hayes, and Chase Armstrong and Kit Ryder Bratton; a number of nieces and nephews including Gary Ryder and wife, Tracy and Rex Ryder and wife, Samantha; also special nieces and nephews who acted as caregivers, Lisa Ryder and daughters, Taylor Friel and Emileigh Friel, Leslie Ryder and daughters, Sabrina Rexrode, Christina Ryder and Morgan Ryder, Michael O’Farrell and wife, Carolina, and Linda Kurz and husband, Mark; as well as cousins, Willie and Dottie Jenkins; and his canine companion, “Blue Dog”. A special thanks to ACG Hospice for their devoted care and attention.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Mountain Grove Cemetery with speaker, Frankie Chestnut officiating. Friends may call at the home of Ray and Collie.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Byrum, Jennifer Vess, Johnnie Ailstock, Don Ailstock, Albert Ailstock, and Terry Smith.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mountain Grove Cemetery, c/o Janice O’Farrell Leary, 5792 Mountain Valley Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484.