Ray Carling

Ray Astle Carling

January 4, 1933 ~ May 24, 2017

Ray Astle Carling, 84, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. He was born on January 4, 1933, in Providence, UT, the son of George Isaac and Clara Pearl Astle Carling. He was the fifth of ten children and grew up in a home where he learned the principles of faith, hard work, self-reliance, and devotion to family. He remained close to his siblings his entire life; they are Lola (Dee) Savage of Sunset, Utah, Ivan (Eileen) Carling of Benson, Arizona, Darold (Shirley) Carling, Blaine (Faye) Carling of Midvale, Utah, Lee (Kathy) Carling of Ogden, Utah, Eva (Jim) Johnston of Gilbert, Arizona, Grant (Nola) Carling of Logan, Utah, and Linda (David) Johnson of Fruit Heights, Utah who passed away in 2003. Ray has joyfully reunited with his parents, his oldest brother Dean who died before Ray was born, his sister Linda, his son Paul who passed away in 2009, and a daughter-in-law, Angela, who passed away in 2014.

Ray graduated from South Cache High School in 1951 and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission from 1953-1955. Following his return he served in the United States Army for two additional years where he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1962. He married his eternal companion, Beverly LaRue Sharp, on October 8, 1958 in the Logan LDS Temple. His greatest joy was in his family. Ray and Beverly have six children, Brent (Angela) of Layton, Paul (DeLynn) formerly of Rexburg, Idaho, Lynn (Carol) of North Ogden, Cathy (Brian) Wilhelmsen of Gilbert, Arizona, Julie (Rick) DeGraw of Santaquin, and Diane (Jared) Garfield of Prattville, Alabama. They have 31 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Ray’s life was remarkably spared when he survived a propane/camper explosion in 1971 giving him severe burns over most of body which required a two month hospitalization and extensive treatment. He endured that ordeal and considered it a refining time where he learned patience and profound gratitude for every blessing.

Ray served faithfully in the church and had many callings such as Bishop of the North Ogden 8th ward, 1st counselor in the bishopric, high priest group leader (four times), scout master, young men’s leader, high councilman, and ward and stake missionary. He was well loved by his ward members, friends, and neighbors. He could often be found shoveling their driveways, helping them with yard work, and checking on the families with special needs.

Ray owned and operated Ogden Propane, a propane sales and distribution company, for twenty years. He worked with his three sons there until his retirement in 1989. He gained a reputation in the community for being honest, trustworthy, and generous. Ray retired from his professional life only to work faithfully in the Ogden Temple for 18 years until it was closed for remodeling. He also served in Rotary International and continued to support the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Silver Beaver Award. From 1999-2000 Ray and Beverly served another LDS Mission, this time serving with the Church Education System in Atlanta, Georgia. While there Ray also served in the Atlanta Temple. In his retirement, Ray spent many hours doing family history research and attending the temple. He continued attending the temple, even in a wheelchair, until only a few months ago.

Ray was known for his soft-spoken, gentle ways and for his humble discipleship. Whenever he saw a need, he simply worked to fulfill it. He was never known to raise his voice or speak ill of anyone. He always saw the good in others and gave them the benefit of the doubt. His Christlike example was felt by all who knew him, especially his family. He will always live in our cherished memories.

Ray’s family wishes to give their appreciation to the staff at Quail Meadows where he was lovingly cared for during his last months of life.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Colonial Springs Ward, 2360 North 600 West, Harrisville.  Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd.  and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden.