Earnest Ray Pearce, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Magna, Utah on August 26, 2011. Ray was born on December 4, 1929 to Earnest and Lettie Jensen Pearce in Beaver, Utah. Growing up in Beaver, Ray found a love of sports and the outdoors and could often be found at the Lodge at Puffer Lake after a day of hunting or fishing. After graduating from Beaver High School Ray attended the University of Utah on a basketball scholarship before serving his country in both the U.S. Navy and Utah National Guard.

Ray married Margaret Krebbe. Ray next married Gay Houston on November 5, 1954 in Elko, Elko County, Nevada. They had four children before divorcing. Earnest Ray Jr. was born on May 29, 1955, Robin Gay was born on July 8, 1957, Jacquie was born on ? and Douglas Niels was born on May 11, 1961. Ray and Gay were divorced in 1980.

Ray was an outstanding athlete in high school. He was a member of the 1948 Beaver High School basketball team that finished 2nd to B. Y. High School in the state tournament.

Ray was chosen as one of the five basketball players in the state to make the Class B All Star Team.

He also played on the Beaver High School baseball team that went to the state finals. He pitched a no-hitter to beat Hurricane 6 - 0 and win the championship of Division Six.

Ray is survived by his son, Ray Jr.; daughters, Robyn Gross and Jacquie (Brady) Wood; and preceded in death by son, Douglas.

Ray later married and is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Barbara Finley Pearce. Ray and Barbara enjoyed spending many winters in their second home in the desert of Arizona, and time with their many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ray is also survived by brothers, David (Char), Edward (Carol), and Douglas (Marilyn); sisters, Norma Jean Murphy, JoAnn (Russell) Grimshaw, and Zelma Woodbury. He was preceded in death by sisters, Marie Lish and Zora Woodward.
At Ray's request there will be formal services. There will be a celebration of life at a later determined date. Written condolences may be sent to Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W. 2700 S. Magna, Utah 84044.

Click on the photos to read the stories that appeared in The Beaver Press.

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Beaver National Guard Basketball Team

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Beaver High School Basketball 1948 Millard Division Champions

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Ray Pearce as a member of the Class B 1948 Utah All State Basketball Team

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Ray Pearce pitched a nohitter.

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Beaver High School 2nd place Basketball Team.