Ray Crawford, 54, of San Diego, Calif., and long-time Imperial Valley resident, passed away on Monday, Jan. 28.
Ray was born in Kentucky and went to school in Nicholasville. Ray spent a lot of his youth in Texas before moving to Imperial County in 1969 to work with his brother Walter at Dairy Delite in Brawlery. Soon, thereafter, he moved to Holtville to run the Dairy Queen where he met his beautiful wife Adele Otto.
They were married June 8, 1973 in Holtville. They later purchased the Dairy Queen and named it Arnold's. Ray spent many years managing the Dairy Delite in Calexico across from the Port of Entry. Ray worked 13 years for the El Centro Police Department, traffic division, before relocating to San Diego six years ago. Upon his death, Ray was employed for the National City Police Department Traffic Division.
"Bennie Ray" was a true character and befriended people in all areas and aspects of his life. He loved everybody. He was generous to the point that his sister and wife agree, "if you asked Ray for a dollar he'd give you two, even if they were his last ones". Ray was always generous, full of energy and willing to help and be there in a time of need.
