Marysville resident Joe Ray celebrated his 88th birthday with family and friends at the Dragon Inn in Marysville.

The celebration, held Sept. 24, was hosted by his son and daughter-in-law, Van and Lisa Ray of El Dorado Hills.

Guests included golfing buddies from the 1980s and '90s who have remained good friends.

Born Sept. 24, 1920, in Calera, Okla., he has been a Yuba-Sutter resident since 1972.

He retired in 1972 after 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and was married to the late Virginia Ray.

His family also includes five grandchildren.