Craig Norman Ray

Craig Norman Ray, 70, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 21, 1955, and spent his life in Mesa, where he graduated from Westwood High School in 1973. Craig had an extraordinary ability to connect with people and was a friend to everyone he met. He was always up for a friendly debate on any topic—whether it was about faith, politics, football, or which fast-food place had the best burgers. Talking with him always made people laugh, think, and occasionally shake their heads with a grin. Craig was a devoted man of faith and had a deep knowledge of the scriptures. He was a familiar face at the Mesa Easter Pageant and LDS General Conference, where he passionately shared his testimony and love for the gospel. Craig was a talented photographer and was always behind the camera capturing life’s special moments at countless family and community events. Craig was always a kid at heart and loved all things superhero, especially Superman. Craig loved being a host-dad to many exchange students from all over the world and enjoyed taking them to explore the US. After the heartbreaking loss of his son Troy to cancer in 2010, Craig started BEST Therapy to help others heal and find comfort. Craig's life was filled with love and adventures, but his greatest joy was being "Grampa". His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to talk about them or spend time with them.

Craig will be remembered for his love, his humor and for always being the “fun” Dad, Grampa, Uncle, and Brother—bringing joy and laughter everywhere he went. Craig is survived by his loving daughters: Kimberly (Joseph) Miller and Rebecca (Octavio) Martinez; and his cherished grandchildren: Tyla, Chase, Briana, Cora, Mila, Olivia, and Anthony. He also leaves behind his ten siblings: Gordon (Christee), Rodney, Clifford (Betty), Marilyn (Jeff), Gene (Sherri), Janice (Bo), Alan (Jodi), Laura (Darren), Brian (Christine), and Susi; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lots of loving friends. He was preceded in death by his son Troy Ray (2010), his mother Muriel Keyser (2015), stepfather Harold Keyser (2019), his father Norman Ray (1962), and several other family members.

 A viewing will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm at the LDS Solomon Building, 977 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 10:00am with a viewing from 9:00-9:45am at the LDS Solomon Building, 977 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204. Dedication of the Grave to follow at the Mesa Cemetery—entrance on Country Club, just north of Brown. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Craig’s memory.

Beloved Father, Grampa & Friend

Forever Our Superman