Eldon Ray Conley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Eldon Ray Conley, who left this world on October 10, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on January 4, 1934, to the late Adrian and Opal Lena Hamilton Conley in Salyersville, KY. He was the first of their 12 children. Ray graduated from Powell County High School, class of 1954, where he was the editor of the school newspaper.

Ray’s life was marked by his unwavering love and loyalty to his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Audrey Joyce Catron Conley. From the moment he saw her sitting on a bridge in Nada until the day he died, he said she was the most beautiful girl he ever saw. He took loving care of her throughout her long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ray had a genius understanding of mechanics, and was helping change tires on his parent’s car by the age of six. He was plant manager at Quality Manufacturing, and they held a number of patents on his inventions. He could and did fix just about anything. His friend and caregiver, Tonya, called him Mr. Fixit.

Ray lived a full life with few dull moments. His many passions over the years included shooting firearms, being in the pistol division of the Bluegrass Sportsman’s Club, drinking bourbon, make beer and wine, drag racing, building and shooting miniature rockets, racing slot cars, traveling, exercising, feeding birds and squirrels, and putting up enough Christmas lights to rival Clark Griswald. His biggest passion, though, was building and riding custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Ray also embraced life’s simple pleasures, like sitting on the porch with Jake, watching nature, and talking with neighbors who thankfully kept a close watch over him.

Ray is survived by devoted daughters Marlene (Jeff) Luoma, Kay Craft and Regina Spurlock. His heart grew with love for his grandchildren Kristin and Marissa Luoma, Ashley (Zack) Newman, and for his great-grandchildren Lena Joyce and Jesse Taylor Newman. They brought him happiness and boundless memories. His love and example will guide each of them throughout their own lives.

Ray is also survived by his sisters Mildred Gilbert, Doris (Larry) Mullins, his brother Damon (Billie) Conley, brothers-in-law Ira Ledford and Gordon Miller, sisters-in-law Elsie Catron and Christine Conley, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by one daughter, Darlene Faye, brothers Louie (Carolyn), Bob (Barbara), Tom (Faye), Jerry (Hilda), Gary, Darryl, and sisters Judy Ledford and Glenda Miller.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 1-3pm at Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing, followed by a celebration of life service at 3pm. Private family graveside service will take place at The Lexington Cemetery. 

To honor his love of animals, donations can be made to the Powell County Animal Shelter at P.O. Box 506, Stanton, KY 40380.