EAST HERKIMER - Mr. Scott Kenneth Ray, age 56, affectionately known to those dearest and close to him as "Phez," passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 4, 2014. He was a great man, and was dearly loved by all who were graced with his presence. He was born on June 4, 1957 in Herkimer, NY the son of the late William M. "Bill" Ray and Doris (Wengert) Ray. He attended Herkimer Central Schools and graduated in the "Class of 1975." Scott was a lifelong East Herkimer resident, and held a deep and steadfast devotion to his family and friends. For many years he worked side by side with his dad in the family business, Patterson's Body Shop in East Herkimer. Scott's family was so proud of his ability to take pride in his craft, working with his dad to carry on the responsibilities that were instilled in him at a young age. The business has been in the family for generations. Scott became the owner and operator of the shop in 2006. Scott had currently been the Collector for the East Herkimer Water District (Town of Herkimer). He was a member of the Herkimer Elk's Lodge #1439, and a member of their House Committee. He was a former East Herkimer Volunteer Fireman and a member of the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club. Scott was a loving and dedicated son, brother, uncle, great uncle and friend. He was a simple man who was passionate about his work and life. He was an exemplary role model personifying a good work ethic, social conscience and personal compassion. He was an avid golfer and sports fan. One of his favorite pastimes was watching his beloved New York Yankees, the Syracuse Orangemen and the Dallas Cowboys. He was an important and positive influence in the lives of his family and friends. Survivors include his loving mother Doris of East Herkimer; two close brothers: William W. Ray and his wife Elaine C. of Herkimer; and Michael R. Ray of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; four cherished nieces: Alicia Ray of Syracuse, Dr. Amanda Ray and husband William Hoyne of Cicero, Karlene Peck and husband Jim, Jr. of Sprakers and Kimberly Ray of Syracuse; great niece Hailey Rae Peck; his aunts and uncles: Margaret English of Herkimer; Kenneth and Hideko Ray of East Herkimer; Marion and Dean Cristman of Herkimer; and an extended family that Scott loved dearly including his "grandchildren" and especially his "granddaughter" Zoe Davis of East Herkimer. He will forever be their "Poppy." Scott was preceded in death by his father Bill. The family also acknowledges a lifelong friend and devoted co-worker Mike Cristman. The family would like to thank the professionals at the St. Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Room in Utica, and MOVAC for their comforting support and expertise. Also, a very special thank you to Robert "Bob" Brenchley for his devoted friendship and the compassion and consideration offered to Doris and the entire family during this most difficult time. The Ray family invites relatives and friends to visitation at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, on Tuesday January 7, 2014 from 2-4 & 6-9 PM. Scott's funeral will commence at 11 a.m. on Wednesday January 8, 2014 from the chapel of the funeral home with the Reverend Janet Gleason, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer - Little Falls, officiating. He will be laid to rest later in the spring in Mt. View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls. Please kindly consider memorial offerings in honor of Scott K. Ray to the East Herkimer Fire Department's Founders Memorial Fund. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home and donations may be made there as well. To offer a message of sympathy to the family you may add to Scott's online memorial created at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet. His funeral service plans will be arranged by The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. Harry & Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors. The Herkimer Elks will meet at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday to conduct their ritualistic service. The East Herkimer Fire Department will pay their condolences at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.