Charles Lee Ray, age 82, of Mars Hill, formerly of Burnsville, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Roy and Daffina Carroll Ray. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Alton Ray.
Charles was a U.S. Army veteran having served during peace time and was a dog handler while stationed in Korea. For many years, Charles was a motor grader operator who loved his guns and hunting. He attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.
Surviving are his loving wife, Arlene Grindstaff Hensley Ray; their children: Mark Ray (Dana) of Burnsville, Pam Moore (Fred) of Mars Hill and Pat Bramlett (Kevin) of Mars Hill; grandsons: Cody and Jeremy; sisters-in-law: Jean Ray, Natalie Harris and Sue Willmott; brothers-in-law: Junior Grindstaff, Gary Grindstaff (Sherry) and Earl Grindstaff (Karen); nieces: Sharon Hensley (Rick), Sherry Whitson (Eddie) and Teresa Summerlin (Billy). Several other extended family members also survive.
Funeral Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 22nd in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Brother Jimbo Seaton will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday in the Garland Cemetery at Red Hill with Brother Randy Wise officiating.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Four Seasons Hospice for the wonderful care given to Charles. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
