Raymond (Ray) Lloyd Robirds, 78, of Reeds Spring, Missouri

Raymond (Ray) Lloyd Robirds, 78, of Reeds Spring, Missouri, passed away January 6, 2024, peacefully in his home surrounded by his most loved ones. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 21, 1945.

Ray went to California in 1964 when he got out of the Marine Corps. He looked for a job daily in Venice until he landed one with Widman Studios, building 14th - 18th century reproductions. This led to him finding one of his life’s passions. Ray’s work was commissioned by Beverly Hills and Bel Air notables and featured in many publications. In the nineties, Ray moved to the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri and continued his craft. Some of his most notable work was creating custom wood pieces for Silver Dollar City and College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. For over 50 years, Ray worked tirelessly as a true artist, receiving many accolades and awards. Woodworking was more than a job, he believed it to be an art, a gift from God, and his life’s true passion. 

Ray had a true love of Christ. He was once quoted saying, “The good Lord does all the creative work, I just put it together. Blessed by divine guidance, I am able to do what I do and love every minute of it.” Ray was also a writer and wrote several stories and scripts as a Christian about the Holy Spirit. The intent of the stories is to serve as a testament to the power of faith and the loving guidance of the Holy Ghost, which he hoped would strengthen the reader’s faith and remind all the people of the unbreakable bond between family and faith.

Ray was a loving and beloved son, brother, husband, father, mentor, teacher, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Judy Robirds. Between Ray and Judy, they shared six daughters, three sons, fifteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one faithful sweet dog, Ella.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Reeds Spring Community Church, 37 Leighs Way, Reeds Spring, Missouri, with Jeff Stull officiating. Lunch will be served after the service in the basement. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.