NAPA

Edward Ray Privett, age 80, passed away on Nov. 24, 2007, in Napa. He was born on Oct. 11, 1927, in Lane County, Atoka, Okla., and attended Butler School. Ray hitchhiked to California when he was 15 years old. He lived in Napa in Shipyard Acres where he met and married Constance (Connie) Ann Mello on Dec. 31, 1950. She passed in July 1977, but Ray never stopped loving her. It was his wish to be laid to rest with her and the family will fulfill that request.

Ray's favorite place to go with his family when the kids were growing up was Wright's Beach at Bodega Bay. Ray loved to fish and the family spent every summer camping, fishing and frog hunting. Ray and Connie spent many years as active members of the Buzz Steppers Square Dancers. Ray recently went back to Oklahoma in April 2006, his first trip on an airplane and first trip back to see his family since he left home. He was accompanied by his daughters, Rhonda and Debbie, and his grandson Jeff. During his trip he was able to see his brother Jack, his sisters, Jean and Alean, and his good friend Ray Walton. He went on a few road trips while he was there to see his old elementary schoolhouse (Butler School) which was still standing, and Bailey's, the corner store he used to go to with his siblings when he was young. He was able to visit his parents' grave sites and other family members and numerous friends.

He was also able to visit a very dear friend of his, Ira Clark, on his journey. When Ira lived in Napa, he had a lawnmower shop and Ray would spend most of his time after he retired helping Ira fix them up. His grandson Jeff has fond memories of those times because he would go there with him and help.

During his life, Ray worked at Rough Riders, Cameron's, Sun Sweet Prunery, the U.S. Dept. of Commerce (Moth Ball Fleet) and retired from Basalt Rock Co. due to ill health. During his retirement, Ray enjoyed collecting things. It was always known if you couldn't find it in a hardware store that Ray would have it in his backyard. He would spend a lot of his time visiting Dale at the recycling center. He loved to work on machines, often buying secondhand lawnmowers and washing machines at garage sales and fixing them up and selling them, or giving them to people that really couldn't afford to buy them. He was very good with fixing cars and just tinkering with anything to make it run. His house and yard were always full of interesting things he had found and his children would always ask, "Dad, when are you going to get rid of this junk?," and he would always say, "It's not junk, someone can use it." The kids would just shake their heads and laugh knowing full well that he would never part with it.

Although Ray wasn't wealthy financially, he was by far one of the richest men alive, with the love and support of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and friends that touched his life over the years. He loved to listen to country/western music and had just about every 8-track, 45 and 78 they ever made. He would listen to them often up to the time of his passing.

The family gathered together to spend time with Ray on Thanksgiving Day, knowing it would probably be his last. They said their good-byes, gave him hugs and kisses and comforted him as best they could. Ray was a very private person and the family knew he never wanted to go to a rest home or hospital so they took care of his needs up until the end so he could stay at his house for his final time here on earth. After a year-long struggle with mesothelioma (asbestos exposure) and leukemia lymphoma, it was Ray's wish to pass at his home, quietly in his sleep, which he did.

Ray is survived by his children, Rhonda Jones (Bob) of Napa, Steven Privett (Lynn) of Napa, Debbie Brown (Allyn) of Napa, and Kevin Privett (Kim) of American Canyon. From Rhonda: My fondest memory of my dad was our family's weekly treat of steak and hash browns that Mom would cook for us. Afterwards, Dad would put on his country & western 45s and 78 records, and I would dance with Dad, all the while standing on top of his black cowboy boots. Thank you Dad for that precious time I will cherish forever.

Ray is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Jeff Privett (Napa), Nicole "Niki" Solorio (Napa), Ashley and Austin Brown (Napa), Jessica and Hailey Privett (American Canyon), Garred Privett (Napa), Danny Privett (San Diego), and Donnie Privett (Napa). From Danny serving in Iraq: "Grandpa, thank you for all the memories of teaching me how to fix all the so-called 'junk.' You were one of the inspirations for me to become a mechanic in the Navy and for the countless hours of playing billiards in the garage. You will always be loved and cherished in my heart."

Ray also left behind five great-grandchildren: Bradley and Marissa Privett (Napa), Aliyah Ellingberg (Napa), Damien and Brianna Privett (San Diego). From his great-grandchildren: "Grandpa-Grandpa, we love you and will miss you very much." The kids always called him that because he was so special and that was their way of showing him how much they loved him.

He is also survived by his brother, Jack Privett of Midway, Okla.; sisters, Alean Sanders and Jean Walton, both of Atoka, Okla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Connie; parents, Arthur Henry Privett and Stella Ora Privett (Trimmer) of Atoka, Okla.; brothers: Tim, Herman, Arthur Henry, and Alva "Shorty" Privett; and sisters: Thelma Collins and Vera May Privett.

Pallbearers will include Jeff Privett, Steven Privett, Austin Brown, Allyn Brown, Garred Privett and Bob Jones.

To Hospice of Napa, the family would like to personally thank Carol, Meg, Allison, Kristona, Barbara, Vicky, Jo, Diane, Jasmine, John and Eric for their caring, compassion and kind words and support for Ray and the family. You are all angels for what you do and we know even though Dad could be grumpy at times, he appreciated each one of you and your efforts. Also, thank you Drs. Ernest Arras and George Minowada of Kaiser Permanente, and Dr. Geoffrey Calkins for the time you took with Dad. And last but not least, our heartfelt thanks go out to Ted and his staff at Treadway and Wigger. There are no words to describe our gratitude. Thank you so much for guiding us through this rough time and comforting us in our time of sorrow.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m., at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel, 623 Coombs St., Napa. Family and friends are invited to the home of Debbie and Allyn Brown, 2510 Rigdon St., following the burial at Tulocay Cemetery on Coombsville Road. Condolences can be made to the family at www.treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's name, or the donor of your choice, to the Mesothelioma Foundation (Asbestos Exposure), Hospice of Napa or Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation.