Elmer Ray Fanning, Jr  May 23, 1943 – October 12, 2026 

Ray always said, “Why would anyone pin a name like Elmer on me?” He hated that name, so everyone knew him as Ray or Ray Jr. And if you knew Ray, you were blessed beyond measure. 

Ray was born on May 23, 1943, in Arlington, Texas, to Rita Elizabeth and Elmer Ray Fanning Sr. He passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at the age of 83, in the home he loved, with his wife, Jill, and his children, Rae Lynn and Jesse, by his side. 

Ray was a devoted husband to Jill, a loving father to Rae Lynn and Jesse, a Grandpa to Ethan, and a Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He absolutely shined in his role as Grandpa and Papa, and they will all tell you he was the best Papa Ray. 

Ray met Jill in a gun store, where his funny stories stole her heart, and her laugh stole his. From that point on, she was “his little girlfriend.” Together, they shared countless adventures throughout their life. They loved camping, fishing, nature walks, shooting guns and bows, grilling meals, sitting around campfires, playing tennis, riding bikes, horseback riding, and so much more. Their love story is filled with lasting memories that Jill will carry with her, using them as a lantern to light her way forward until their souls meet again. 

Ray’s children, Rae Lynn and Jesse, cherished their father for his humor, kindness, tenacity, perseverance, independence, stubbornness, stewardship, creativity, support, and love. He raised them to embrace those same qualities—to be strong, independent, loving, and caring people with a strong work ethic. They will carry his memories with them as a guide to lead them forward. 

From an early age, Ray embodied the values of hard work, perseverance, and pride in doing things well. He believed that if you were going to do something, you better do it right. 

Ray began working at an early age for Cyclone Fence Company, but his heart was set on flying airplanes, and he worked diligently to make that dream a reality. He took a job at Bell Helicopter to learn more about aviation, which only fueled his desire to fly. After learning the mechanics of aviation, he began working toward his pilot’s license. He went on to teach flying in a Piper J-3 Cub until he had accumulated enough flight hours to become a crop duster. 

Ray began his crop-dusting career with American Dusting Company, flying Boeing-Stearman biplanes left over from World War II that had been converted into crop-dusting planes. He continued in that career for 32 years, earning a reputation as someone who could always be counted on to do his work with care and precision. His attention to detail and dedication to his craft earned him recognition as the number-one pilot in the entire state of North Dakota. In March 1987, he was also featured with his plane on the cover of National Geographic. 

Ray eventually gave up his flying career so his son, Jesse, could enjoy a more typical childhood and participate in sports, bow competitions, and tennis tournaments. Ray then began a new chapter as a truck driver, starting with some long-haul adventures before eventually working for Wilson Riley, hauling rock. He continued working there until his retirement. 

Throughout his careers, longbow competitions, involvement in his shooting club, and life in general, Ray made several lifelong friends whose friendships he treasured deeply. His friends were an important part of his life and meant the world to him. Many of those friendships grew into something more like family, and the memories they made together will be cherished for a lifetime. Ray had a way of making people feel that their friendship truly mattered. Those who loved him will forever remember the loyalty, laughter, adventures, and good times they shared with him. 

Ray loved his coffee and was meticulous about just about everything—including making the perfect cup. He had an exact formula for brewing it and knew precisely the temperature at which it needed to be enjoyed. He loved being outdoors and spent many of his mornings on his deck, savoring that perfect cup of coffee while watching his favorite bird, a blue heron, catch fish on the lake. 

Ray’s life was also marked by creativity. Throughout the years, he made countless unique things, including a crossbow fashioned from a Model A spring, primitive longbows, knives, throwing sticks, spears, hatchets, and all sorts of ingenious creations from PVC. There wasn’t much he couldn’t create. 

Ray was also known for his distinctive way of talking. People often told him he had a language all his own and a unique way of explaining things. His words and expressions were unmistakably Ray, adding yet another memorable dimension to his one-of-a-kind personality. 

Those left to cherish Ray’s memory are his beloved wife, Jill Ellen Fanning; daughter, Rae Lynn Payette, and her husband, Donnie; son, Jesse Ray Fanning, and his wife, Danielle; grandchildren, Ethan Clair Payette, Connor Ray Fanning, Landon Gray Fanning, and Lynley Gold Fanning; great-grandchildren, Miles Don Payette and Jace Ray Payette; sister, Judy Field; brothers, Mike Fanning and Phillip Fanning; and many other precious family members and loyal friends. 

Ray chose direct cremation with no service because he wanted to “go out with his boots on,” and his family is honoring his wishes. His wife, children and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered for a private remembrance in his honor on Saturday, October 17, 2026. 

Ray will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His love for his family, his unmistakable personality, and especially the friendships he treasured so dearly will remain a lasting part of his legacy. If you knew Ray, you were truly blessed beyond measure, and those who loved him will carry a piece of him in their hearts forever.