John Ray, former Kentucky football coach from 1969-72, passed away in his home in Granger, Ind., Wednesday of complications from cardiopulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. He was 81.

Ray, a Detroit native who grew up in South Bend, Ind., succeeded seven-year head coach Charlie Bradshaw. Credited as playing a major role in the construction of Commonwealth Stadium, Ray helped build a legacy before turning it over to the successful Fran Curci. Among the highlights of Ray?s tenure included a win in 1969 over All-America quarterback Archie Manning?s eighth-ranked Ole Miss squad, 10-9 at UK?s Stoll Field.

During his steadfast campaign for a new stadium for the football program, Ray instilled a motto of ?We Believe?.

Ray was a member of the 1944 Notre Dame football squad, playing fullback and center, before moving on to play at Olivet College (Mich.). After earning a history degree at Olivet, Ray coached at several schools, including the University of Detroit and Notre Dame.

When Ray moved on to an assistant coach position with the Buffallo Bills, UK had begun construction of Commonwealth Stadium and had developed a nucleus of players that began a successful run for the program. Among the key players recruited by Ray included the UK all-time leading rusher, Sonny Collins.

Ray is survived by his wife Norah Ray, of Granger, Ind., two sons Jeff Ray of Las Vegas and Chris Ray of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two daughters, Kathy Stscherban of Mishawaka, Ind., and Deborah Kane of Pittsburg; a stepdaughter, Leslie A. McCurdy of South Bend; a stepson Nicholas Linarello of South Bend, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and a stepgrandchild.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger. Visitation will be after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Special Olympics of St. Joseph County, Ind., or one?s favorite charity.