Dr. Peter Sawin Ray

Dr. Peter Sawin Ray passed away on December 7, 2020 after a short illness. He was born in 1944 in Iowa City, IA to Paul and Mary Ray. Raised in Cedar Rapids, he completed his undergraduate degrees in mathematics and physics at Iowa State before coming to Tallahassee in 1966 to begin his graduate work in meteorology at Florida State. He was a pioneer in doppler radar meteorology and an expert in severe storms meteorology; after earning his PhD in 1973, he worked at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, OK, where he served as the Chief of Meteorological Research and acting Deputy Director of the laboratory. In 1985, he returned to his beloved Tallahassee and Florida State. At FSU, he continued his research as a professor of meteorology, including a role serving as the department chair. In recent years, he was dedicated to his regular hurricane forecasts, emailed to over 5,000 people across the country. His focus on clear, direct weather communication was appreciated by so many, from families to business leaders and policymakers. As the son of a music professor, he learned early to appreciate the classical masters. He made it a mission to teach his children the technical aspects and share the emotional connections to music, including how it can set the right mood at a party, its value as a sacred part of worship, and how it opens our hearts and minds. Peter’s desire to learn was never ending. Even in an increasingly digital world, he read hardback encyclopedias for fun. If there was something he didn’t know or understand, he would seek an answer. This quest for knowledge was also demonstrated through his many hobbies. He mastered a wide range of skills, including candle making, calligraphy, cross-stitching stockings, beekeeping, and hot sauce making. He is survived by his wife, Aileen Suarin Ray; children Sarah Ray Connors (Sean), Matt Ray (Krista), Jonathan Ray, Ara Ray, RG Ray, MJ Ray, and Alex Ray; sister Susan Storm and brother Paul Ray; 5 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly. A private family service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee. The service will be livestreamed on Friday, December 11 at 10 AM at www.drpeterray.com. A graveside service in Indiana will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Faith Presbyterian Church worship and music ministry fund to support the Furthest Pew. Because of the unusual circumstances of this year, we regret that we were unable to have the celebration of life that he would have loved. Instead, we hope that you find time to take a moment this holiday season to share a memory, have a Barnaby’s pizza or Steak and Shake, make a root beer float (A&W if you can find it), and a rum and Coke, and raise your glass in his honor. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Ray family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Dr. Peter Sawin Ray

July 26, 1944 - December 7, 2020