Alfred “Al” Ray, age 94, of Burnsville, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2025, at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
A native of Yancey County, Al was the son of the late Brant Ray and Cora Edge Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lucy Goforth Ray; a daughter, Sandra Lyn Atkins; and his brothers, Bobby, Max, and Maurice Ray.
Al proudly served his country as a United States Navy veteran during the Korean Conflict. He began his career in October of 1955 and retired February 1990 after a distinguished career as Superintendent of Conrail Locomotives. Al was a highly knowledgeable journeyman beekeeper, widely recognized as one of the finest in the state of North Carolina.
He was also a devoted tree grower who took immense pride in working and caring for his land. Rarely still, Al was always busy—cutting his own firewood, gardening, or tending to the many daily tasks that brought him joy and purpose.
Known by many and respected by all, Al seemed to know just about everyone. He valued hard work, independence, and self-sufficiency, living a life deeply rooted in purpose and stewardship of the land around him. A passionate genealogist and lover of history, he held a profound appreciation for the past and the stories that shaped it.
Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Ray Peters, and husband David of Linville Falls; granddaughters Jessica Winters Schober and husband Alek of Linville, Samantha Peters Baldus and husband Rob of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Katie Peters Dulin of Charlotte; great-granddaughters Jillian Bombailey and husband Gabe, Juniper Baldus, Lorelei Baldus, and Charlotte Dulin; and a sister-in-law, Jeri Ray of Weaverville. Several nieces, nephews, and extended family members also survive.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at the Fred Young Cemetery on Double Island Road. Pastor Vern Grindstaff will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the E.L. Randolph Chapter #57 DAV.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to The Greens of Spruce Pine for the compassionate and wonderful care shown to Al.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com