Ray Miller Ware

Ray Miller Ware passed away peacefully in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 29, 2026, after a long illness. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Martha Mayland (Dickie); brother-in-law, Peter M. Davenport; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Taylor; and cousins Nan Jesse, Cliff, and Doug Kirk, and their children. Ray was predeceased by Susan Davenport Ware, wife of 56 years, and the absolute love of his life, and his only son Steven Douglas (Doug) Ware. Ray was born in the little village of Sulphur Well in Jessamine County on May 11, 1929. His parents were Mary Elizabeth Miller and Frank Edward Ware. His maternal grandparents were Scottie Hendren Miller and Frank Forest Miller. All are buried in Maple Grove Cemetery along with his namesake, Ray Miller, his uncle who died in World War I. His great-grandparents were Elizabeth and Francis S. Miller; his great-great-grandparents were Celia and Merriman F. Miller; and his great-great-great-grandparents were Elizabeth and Francis M. Miller, a Revolutionary War soldier. These three generations are buried in the Miller Cemetery on Snowden Lane, the site of the land grant to Francis M. Miller for his service in the War. Ray attended school in the two-room schoolhouse about one-half mile from where he was born. He graduated from Nicholasville High School in 1946, and attended college at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1950. Ray entered the United States Air Force in 1951, serving at Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was assigned to the Base Finance Office, where he remained until he was discharged after the Korean War ended. Ray entered the MBA program at UK in 1955 and received his degree in 1956. He then worked with various accounting firms to complete the experience requirement for obtaining a CPA certificate, passed his examination, and received his certificate (#806) in 1960. Ray had already begun work on his doctorate and received his PhD in Economics in 1963. He was a member of the American Economic Association and the President of the Kentucky Economic Association. He taught business and economics courses at Transylvania College, reaching the rank of Professor of Business and Economics. Ray co-authored two books: Balance of Payments: History, Methodology, and Theory, and Modern International Economics. He wrote one self-published book embodying the history of the community of Sulphur Well, and its inhabitants, mostly through the eyes of a correspondent to the Jessamine Journal, that he entitled “The Sulphur Well Correspondent”. There were other professional articles as well. All are preserved in the Archives of Transylvania University. Ray was a consultant to the Kentucky State Treasurer during 1975. He was Visiting Professor in Accounting at the University of Kentucky during the 1978-79 academic year. He and his wife founded the accounting firm styled Ware and Ware, Certified Public Accountants in 1976, and he entered the firm on a full-time basis after his year at UK was completed. He became active in the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants, chairing a taxation committee, and then became a member of the Board of Directors. He served on the board in various offices before becoming President of the Board in 1988-89. Ray was also a Member of the Council of the American Institute of Accounting. During this same period, he worked with the United Way of the Bluegrass, becoming Allocations Chairman of Fayette County, Board Secretary, and member of the Executive Committee of the Board. Ray had become active at Crestwood Christian Church, serving as Deacon, Treasurer, Finance Chairman, and Chair of the Elders before he became ill in 1996. Ray was also active in Rotary for several years, serving one term on the Board as Treasurer. Both he and Susan are Paul Harris Fellows. He is a former member of The Lexington Club located at 170 Esplanade. Ray had several sports interests. He played tennis most of his life and coached the Transylvania tennis team for five years. Ray loved to swim, loved the sun, and spent many hours so engaged! As he slowed down, fishing and canoeing became his favorite pastime. He was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Lake Ellerslie Fishing Club for several years. Then finally his interest was centered mostly on birds, squirrels, plants, and flowers in the backyard of his home. Ray was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 1996. A Bible verse he liked was II Timothy 4:6-7: "I have fought the good fight, 1 have finished the course, I have kept the faith." Thanks to Dr. Metcalfe, Dr. Pierce, and Vicky. Ray had many caregivers over the years, but Kim Blake and Jennifer Ewadinger were the last and dearest. He greatly appreciated their service. He also appreciated the support of Crestwood Christian Church, Senior Minister Kory Wilcoxson, and Elders Dabney Parker and John Gretz. Dabney held a special place in Ray’s heart. Wayne Shaver was a best friend, and Ray was exceedingly grateful, beyond expression, for his help in all things. Ray was appreciative of the friendship of many good neighbors over the years, and Paul York in particular for all the many times he gave assistance. He also enjoyed his many visits from his friend, Rod Hartzler. A lifetime of pets gave Ray great pleasure. The long list includes Mommy Cat, Teddy, Ellie, Crissy, Bubby, Ique, and Clementine.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Betts and West Funeral Home. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the funeral home.  Ray will be buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Nicholasville.