Kelis Ray Weese, was born on Dec. 31, 1952, in White Sulphur Springs, WV, to the late Betsy Ross Looney Weese and Kelis Elwood Weese. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Lilly Bailey Weese of White Sulphur Springs.
Kelis Ray passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, embraced by his family at home in Covina, CA.
He is survived by his wife, Corine Lugo Weese of Covina, CA; his son, Ernest Paul Cecena and husband William Leonard Kistler, of Palm Springs, CA; his daughter, Christine Celia Cecena Ontiveros, and her husband Fred Jose, and their son Fred Jose (grandson), of Ontario, CA; his uncle, Elgee Weese, and his wife Madelyn, and their children, of Saint George, Utah; his aunt Barbara Jeane Baker, and her son of Falls Church, VA; his sister Victoria Weese Poe, of Lewisburg; his brother William Walter Weese “WW” of White Sulphur Springs (“WW” has since passed away, he passed on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025); his sister, Kathy Bailey Sampson and her husband Vance, and their children and grandchildren, of Lewisburg; his brother David Bailey and his wife Dawn, and their children, of North Carolina.
Growing up in West Virginia, Kelis Ray enjoyed playing sports, and many outdoor activities. Throughout his grade school years, Kelis Ray played baseball and basketball. He enjoyed horseback riding, and caring for horses, along with hunting and fishing.
Kelis Ray graduated from Greenbrier East High School, Class of 1970. In January 1971, at the age of 18, Kelis Ray joined the United States Air Force, where he was trained as an Air Force Technical Mechanic. He served one year in the Air Force, before receiving an Honorable Discharge in August of 1972. Kelis Ray returned to his hometown, where he worked as a General Contractor, a trade he learned from his father. He worked in construction for several years, before leaving West Virginia to pursue employment in California.
In California, Kelis Ray took the opportunity to pursue a new career path. He attended a trade school, where he received his certification in Information Technology “IT”. He further developed his “IT” skills, by attending the Project Management Institution, where he received his certification in Project Manager Professional “PMP.” Kelis Ray continued to focus on developing his “IT” and “PMP” skills, ultimately becoming certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, from SSD Global Solutions, in Project Management Methodology.
Kelis Ray worked in Information Technology as a Project Manager for over 40 years. With his work assignments taking him to other countries, he was able to travel to Poland, Germany, and Australia, to name a few.
Kelis Ray was a man of unwavering integrity and pride. His drive, determination and resourcefulness, was prominent to all that knew him. He believed in the value of a hard day’s work. There was no job, or task too difficult for Kelis Ray.
Kelis Ray was loyal, responsible, and committed. He understood that a man’s word and a firm handshake was a symbol of sincerity and integrity. Kelis Ray carried these values throughout his life’s journey, and never wavered from them.
Later in life, Kelis Ray’s passion turned to golf and photography. He was known as the “family photographer.” Over the years he passionately archived all of his family’s events, special occasions, family benchmarks and precious family moments.
On Kelis Ray’s days off from work, he loved, playing golf, cooking, spending time with his family, and he loved to barbecue. For the Holidays, he would treat his family to his delicious deep-fried turkey.
As years went by, life slowed down for Kelis Ray. He continued to enjoy his family, especially his grandson Freddy. Kelis Ray’s many wonderful attributes and values have certainly made a powerful and positive lasting impact on his children. Kelis Ray was a quiet and humble man, but the devotion to his family, and purpose, made a loud statement to anyone who knew him.
There is a lot to be said for integrity, principal, character, leadership, devotion and strength. Those are the standards in which Kelis Ray lived his life. He never wavered and he never broke code.
Kelis Ray was a kind, caring, compassionate loving man, with an old soul and a gentle spirit. He was larger than life, and will be missed dearly by all.
A Celebration of Life for Kelis Ray will be held on July 6, at 11 a.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs. Internment will follow at the Lewis Tunnel Cemetery in Alleghany, VA,
The family will be receiving family and friends from 10 until 11 a.m. at the funeral home on July 6.
