Ray's natural father is Charles Junior Isom, son of John Fred Isom and Ruzell Cox. Charles was born 31 July 1936. in Phil Campbell, Franklin County, Alabama.

Charles and siblings Shirley M. and Gerold W. shared the family home with parents John and Ruzell. John was born in 1916, Ruzell in 1920.

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Ray was a good boy, a good human being, and a good son to me. I wish that I had been a better father to him.

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