Holliston- Ray E. Givens, 74, of Holliston died Sunday, May 2, 2004 at his home, following a long illness.

He is survived by his wife, Ina G. (Vogel) Givens. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July.

Born in Exchange, West Virginia he was the son of the late William Rider Givens and Rhoda Pesol (Davis) Givens.

Ray was a Marine Sgt. veteran of the Korean Conflict, was an employee of Western Union for 35 years. He then worked with Olsson Florist and continued working on when it became Debra’s Florists. He was also a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and active with other committees and missions of the First Baptist Church of Holliston.

He was currently attending the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton. He also enjoyed being an amateur radio operator, “N1CGO”, and member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Beside his wife he is survived by a son; William L. Givens of Holliston, 3 daughters; Jody R. Givens of Framingham, Susan L. Butler and her husband G. Michael Butler of Flatwoods, West Virginia, and Janet L. Bennett of Franklin; a grandchild, Salina A. Bennett of Franklin. He was predeceased by his sister, Doretta L. Keith, who died in 1962.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home, 854 Washington St., Route 16, Holliston www.chesmorefuneralhome.com. Cremation will follow.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Barnabas Ministries, 15 Stewart St., Hopkinton, MA 01748