Obituary

After a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Ray Eugene Albright died on April 1, 2015, at the age of 76. Ray E. Albright was born April 19, 1938, in Yankton, SD, to Eugene T. and Elizabeth (Heaton) Albright. He was educated in Yankton, graduating from Yankton High School in 1956. Ray attended South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City, SD, and then graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in military science and math. Ray then completed Navigator/Bombardier and Pilot Training for the U.S. Air Force.  Lt. Colonel Albright enjoyed a 23-year career serving his country in the Air Force as a Navigator/Bombardier first, then went on to follow his dream of becoming a Tactical Fighter Pilot, flying over 200 missions during the Vietnam War. As an F-4 Phantom Fighter Pilot, he was decorated with several awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Air Medal, Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters and National Defense Medal.  Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ray lived in Fort Walton Beach, then in Saudi Arabia where he worked as a consultant to the Royal Saudi Air Force.  Ray married Renee Binder Doyle on April 18, 1992. They shared their life in Saudi Arabia, Fort Walton Beach, FL, Yankton, SD, and Goodyear, AZ. Ray enjoyed playing golf, riding his Harley Davidson, and traveling.  He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Renee (Binder Doyle) Albright, his daughters, Michele Thomas and husband Jeffrey; daughters Sheryl Albright and Kathy Albright; granddaughters Brienne, Kristy and Raelynn; grandsons Kory, Christopher and Gabriel, and great grandson Presley. In addition, Ray left behind his stepchildren Jim and Helen Doyle; Jane Doyle; Carlon and Craig Fontaine, Michael and Heather Doyle, along with grandchildren Gareth, Meredith, Peter, Ethan, and Henry.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Betty Albright.  Arrangements for Ray’s burial in Arlington National Cemetery are pending.