Christopher Boyd Ray, 55, of Columbia, died Thursday, March 21, 2019. Born October 12, 1963 at Fort Jackson, SC, he was a son of the late Boyd Emerson Ray and Linda Christine Parks Ray.

Christopher was currently CFO of Engineering Design & Testing Corp. following a long successful career in corporate financial management. He was also an active, long-time patron of the arts; currently serving as President of the Columbia City Ballet's Board of Directors and a member of the Trustus Theatre Board of Directors. Christopher also served on the boards of countless other civic and philanthropic organizations over the years including his service as Treasurer on the board of the national Victory Fund; his involvement in the South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Business Guild, the South Carolina Equality Coalition, and Leadership Columbia.

Christopher was known to his friends and family as a good man with a generous heart and spirit. He was passionate about his beliefs and supported his community with his time and resources. His legacy will continue in the lives of those who benefitted from his commitment to social justice issues, the arts and his efforts to leave the world a better place than where he found it.

Survivors include his husband, Brian Maynor-Ray; grandmother, Lily Parks; step-mother, Valerie Ray; brother, Mark Ray; niece Amber Tibbs (Taylor); nephew, Chris Ray; a number of aunts, uncles and cousins; and his beloved dogs, Emma, Grace and Lia.

A service will be held 10 o'clock, Tuesday, April 2nd, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong member, with The Very Rev. Canon, Gary S. Linsky will officiate. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Columbia City Ballet, ( http://columbiacityballet.com/ ); Trustus Theatre ( https://trustus.org/donate/ ); or the Victory Fund ( https://victoryfund.org/support-us/ ).