Ray Devoe

[Kirk Schulz]

I am so sorry to report that Ray Devoe, one of my best friends and fellow pedal steel player, passed away today. Ray was living in Hudson, Florida and still playing every week at the Kings Church jam. He was one of the kindest persons I’ve ever known. Prayers for his wife Tracy.

[Mike Scaggs]

RIP Ray, Ray was a kind soul and will be missed by many. He and I talked on the phone quite a bit catching up on steel guitars and such. Prayer to the family

Mike Scaggs

[Tony Rankin]

Ray was a great personal friend to me for many years. I will miss him.

[David Rattray]

Ray was one of the best men you could ask for ..he sold me one of his amps..and we became friends he is gone from here however I know where he is Ray will catch up with you in the not to distant future...David...

[Ben Lawson]

Ray was a great guy. He and I played in many of the same places in New Jersey, but we never met until we moved to Florida. Ray had some health issues that affected him for years, but he never gave up and always looked forward to jamming on his steel. His final days left him unable to communicate. R.I.P. my good friend, you are truly missed already. I love you Ray!

[Jerry Overstreet]

We never met in person but we did a few deals and had some conversations here on the forum.

I found him to be a very nice person and all our interactions were nothing but pleasant.

RIP Mr. Ray. Condolences to the family and close friends.

[Larry Dering]

Ray and I had regular phone conversations about gear and tone and players. We last spoke on May 9th and he was not doing well. I enjoyed our friendship and will miss those calls. RIP old friend. My prayers to his wife Tracy and the family.

[Dale Rottacker]

Never had the pleasure of meeting Ray, yet everything I saw and read concerning him here on the Forum was very positive. Sad for all those who knew and loved him. Prays for all of them.

[Jack Stoner]

Sorry to hear of his passing. Having lived in Florida for many years I've been to several jams with him. Sold him a Quilter Travis Toy amp 3 years ago. RIP.

[Dan Galysh]

Sorry to hear about Ray. I met Ray years ago at Steel Guitars of Nashville. I demoed a few steels for him to listen to. Nice gentleman.

[Pete Nicholls]

So sad to hear. Played music with Ray several times over the years and when I started playing steel in 2012, he and Bernie Kelley were my mentors. Ray was always ready to lend a helping hand. I hadn't talked with Ray for a couple of months and know he has had way more than a fair share of medical issues. Rest in peace Ray, you were one fine steel player and an even better person.

[Dave Legg]

So sorry to hear this just talked to Ray two weeks ago about buying his zum Never met him but we talked on the phone several times about guitars and Tractor Trailers I have bought 4 guitars from Ray and all have been top notch U will b missed dearly

[mtulbert]

Very sad news.

I had many discussions with Ray and learned a great deal about Octal preamps. It was always a pleasure to speak with him and he never had a mean word to say about anyone. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

[David Higginbotham]

Ray has been a dear friend for over 20 years and although I prepared for this day to come…it was still a shock when I read it. Ray had so many friends that he treasured and we treasured him as well. We were all fortunate to cross paths with such an amazing person. Ray was as kind hearted a person one could ask for and his kindness was shared with many. It was that kindness and unrelenting integrity that we quickly learned was only part of his unique personality. He deeply cared for others! He never would speak unkindly of others…even when it was clearly warranted. Ray and I spoke often for years almost weekly and it was well beyond music. It was life experiences and he lended valuable advice 20 years ago with some challenges I was having. A true friend.

Ray knew years ago his future health challenges as his father had passed away from the same illness. He shared his journey with me over the years and explained which treatments were working and which were not as well as the side effects caused by each. I reminded him often that his father made it to 84 so never give up hope! And that’s one thing Ray NEVER did. He endured challenges that would’ve taken out a lesser man long ago and showed courage I’ve rarely seen. Ray NEVER felt sorry for himself or felt cheated during all those traveled roads. He never complained about it and quite frankly…I’d have to ask how he was doing as he was always concerned with his wife, family and friends and how we were doing. When time would pass and he hadn’t heard from me he’d check in just to see how I was doing. Again…a true friend indeed. But that was Ray! Never complaining and always being as upbeat and positive as possible. I wish I could say I was able to be more like Ray. Sadly, I fail miserably by comparison as many of us do.

I will miss my friend and we all will. I pray his family can find some peace and comfort knowing Ray was an absolute gem! We were all very fortunate and blessed to have Ray cross our paths. But the sun will shine a bit less bright for awhile.

[Jerry Van Hoose]

David H, you wrote beautifully about Ray. Ray and I visited each other in FL. and talked by phone many times. I couldn’t add anything other than, may Ray rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.