The community of Genesee, Idaho, and the Lewis-Clark State College athletics family are grieving the sudden and unexpected passing of Raymond Ray Stout, a beloved husband, father, former college basketball player, and friend to countless people whose lives he touched in ways that words can barely capture.
His death has sent shockwaves through everyone who knew him, leaving behind a wife, two young children, and a community that is rallying together to support his family during an unimaginably painful time.
A Larger Than Life Personality Who Never Met a Stranger and Always Made People Laugh
Those who knew Ray describe him as someone whose energy and warmth were impossible to ignore. He had a rare and genuine gift for making every single person around him feel welcome, valued, and at home regardless of how long they had known him.
Whether you had been friends with Ray for decades or had just crossed paths with him for the first time, he had a way of making you feel like an old friend within minutes.
There was almost always laughter when Ray was in the room, and his quick wit and infectious smile left marks on everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him.
Friend Anthony Hagan shared a deeply moving tribute, writing that no words could describe how he felt after losing Ray. He recalled how Ray was one of the funniest and most exciting people he had ever been around and said there was never a single moment together that did not involve laughter.
Hagan also shared that he had seen Ray just days before his passing, hugging him and talking about plans together, making the loss even more devastating.
LC State Men’s Basketball Confirms Passing of Former Warrior Who Was Loved by All
The LC State Men’s Basketball program confirmed Ray’s passing with a heartfelt tribute of their own, remembering him as a Warrior who played for three years following a standout career at Walla Walla Community College.
The program described him as a great teammate and friend to many and noted that the Stout family has maintained a close connection to LC State athletics for many years.
Above everything else, Ray’s greatest joy in life was his wife Erica and their two children, ages seven and nine. They were the absolute center of his world.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help Erica and the children with funeral expenses and household needs during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Genesee Volunteer Fire Department at 232 West Chestnut Street in Genesee, Idaho.
