Peter Sawin Ray

Dr. Peter Sawin Ray

Tallahassee - Dr. Peter Sawin Ray, 76, died on December 7, 2020 after a short illness.

He was known as a pioneer in doppler radar meteorology and an expert in severe storms meteorology. From 1973-1985, he worked at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, where he served as the Chief of Meteorological Research. Since 1985, he has been a professor of meteorology at Florida State, including a time serving as the department chair. His regular hurricane forecasts, emailed to over 5,000 people, were an invaluable resource to families, business leaders, and policymakers. He served as an usher and elder at Faith Presbyterian Church, and was a champion of the Furthest Pew, which served communion to those unable to attend worship.

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.

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.

Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Ray family with their