Local burger drive-in closed following owner's death

DAYTON–Ray's Drive In, the long-time popular breakfast and lunch eatery on West Main Street, has been closed and is up for sale after owner David Reniff recently died.

Reniff, 73, died suddenly at his home on March 25. His daughter and son, Kitsy Melton of Burbank, and Kenny Melton of Dayton, say their wish is for an enterprising individual purchase the business. "As a family, we'd love for someone to buy it, open it and continue a Dayton tradition that has been a favorite of so many people for so many years," Melton said recently.

Reniff and his wife Kathy, who passed away in 2016, purchased Ray's Drive In from Stan and Rita Pierson in 1993.

He served in the U.S. Army and later worked in construction before becoming owner of the restaurant with the landmark A-frame dining room.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 15 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.