Ray Richardson

Ray A. Richardson of Carlsbad NM passed away on April 1, 2026, because he finally ran out of things to do here.

Ray was born on February 22, 1956, to Ray and Sonia Richardson in Orange, CA. Ray grew up and went to school in Southern, CA. It was in Northern, CA that Ray met the love of his life, Martha, while they were both working at Marie Callender's Restaurant in Concord, CA. They were married on October 6, 1984 in San Francisco, CA and were married for 41 awesome years.

After a brief stint in the circus of life, Ray and Martha eventually settled in Carlsbad, NM, with their two sons Raybeau and James in February 1997. Lifelong workers in the restaurant business, Ray and Martha opened their own restaurant, the No Whiner Diner in December 2000 where Ray could finally express what he really thought of the world. They owned and operated the No Whiner Diner until December 2019 when they retired.

Ray enjoyed many activities: he loved to travel, play golf, and was an avid reader. He loved to work with his hands and build things in his free time. Ray was a strong supporter of the local police and fire department. Ray and Martha were always compassionate and charitable, offering food and support to those in need. 

In addition to a soft heart, Ray also was a man of strong opinions, often weighing in on local issues and even wrote a blog for a brief period of time. Ray always loved a good joke and entertained passing drivers with witty quips on the restaurant’s marquee sign. In that joking spirit, it was fitting that Ray passed away on April first and was cremated – “his last chance for a smoking hot body”.

Ray is survived by his wife Martha, their two sons and two daughters-in-law, and his seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held for Ray at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Denton Wood Funeral Home. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carlsbad Police or Fire Departments in honor of Ray’s life.