Ray Bulkeley

Ray Bulkeley, 97, of N. Canal Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away March 31, 2011 at Landsun Homes. There will be no public visitation, cremation will take place. A Graveside Service is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, 2011, 10:30 AM, at Carlsbad Cemetery (old section) with Pastor Bob Bacon officiating. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ray Bulkeley was born September 16, 1913 in Okeene, Oklahoma to Salmon Loring and Willie Mina (Graves) Bulkeley. He grew up in Texas and attended elementary school in Weatherford, TX. Ray graduated High School in Santa Fe, NM. He served his country in the US Navy during WWII. Ray married Margaret McGraff March 4, 1943 in Safford, AZ. They moved to Del Norte, CO where they began raising their two sons. Ray worked as an accountant at the Chevrolet dealership. In 1951 he moved to Durango where he continued accounting work at the General Motors dealership in Durango. After the death of his wife, he later married Sally Clark Akers May 10, 1960 in Durango. Ray went to work as a mail carrier and mail clerk until retiring in 1973. They moved to Lompoc, CA and also lived in Washington for a while. After Sally's death, he moved to Carlsbad. He married Irene Wood September 16, 2002 here in Carlsbad. Ray enjoyed golf, fishing, basketball and traveling. He sang Barber Shop for many years in Durango, CO. He was also a runner and won a number of races in his senior age group. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church, life member of the BPOE - Elks, Lodge 1558 and life member of the VFW where he served as past commander of the post in Durango. Ray was Noble Grand of Eddy Lodge 21 IOOF. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Margaret Bulkeley, second wife, Marcell "Sally" Bulkeley and sister, Wanda Bell Fones. Survivors include his wife, Irene Wood Bulkeley of Carlsbad, NM; two sons:Michael Bulkeley of Anchorage, AK, George Bulkeley of Grass Valley, CA; three step-daughters: Marjorie Halsey of Kingman, AZ, Barbara Canaday of Sanoma, CA, Pam Roberts of Carlsbad, NM; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and nephew, Don Ellis of Santa Fe, NM. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.