Ray Woody

Ray Woody passed away on March 27, 2020, in his apartment in the Glenaire community of Cary, NC. The family celebrates his life, so well lived and given, and grieves the departure of a man who shaped our lives for good in so many ways. Ray was the first son of George Washington Woody, Sr. and Molly Ethel Woody. He grew up with his younger brother, George, Jr. in a modest home in Danville, Va., and later graduated as the valedictorian of George Washington High School. Ray was the first person in his family to attend college, earning a scholarship to the University of Virginia. He was a passionate alum and followed all the school’s sports programs throughout his life. He loved wearing the Cavalier colors of orange and blue.

After college, Ray worked with the U.S. defense department, calculating details related to missile defense. So yep, it was rocket science, and he was very smart. After a withdrawal from that role due to mononucleosis, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Returning from duty, he married Jean Garrett Woody, also from Danville, and the two built a beautiful and wonderful marriage which flourished for 60 years. It was mom’s specific directive that she be referred to as “feisty” in Dad’s obit. The family confirms the description.

Most of Ray’s professional career was with IBM, starting in 1960 and continuing for 32 years with the company before his retirement. Ray then earned his real estate license, supporting the sales career of his son and taking the auto license plate, “Kev’s Dad.” Through his golden years, Ray served as a volunteer as a precinct poll worker and a weekly staff aid with Rex Surgery Center in Cary.

Ray and Jean served their communities as very active volunteers in churches throughout their lives - Lincoln Ave in Endicott, NY, and Forest Hills Baptist, Trinity Baptist, Providence Baptist, Hope Community Church, and finally with Cary First Baptist Church - all in the Triangle area. Ray served as deacon, chair of deacons, staff selection committee chair, fundraising chair, and class teacher among his many roles in these congregations. He also served with great devotion in the Bible Study Fellowship program for over 20 years supporting the personal and spiritual development of men in his community. Ray was also very active in supporting Triangle swimming sports, serving a variety of roles to raise funds and oversee meet operations for the Raleigh Swimming Association. Ray and Jean lived many years in Oak Park and later in Weston Pointe, where their affection for neighbors developed deep and life-long friendships.

Ray was generous with his life and resources, a friend to many. He was deeply influenced by the life and teaching of Jesus, and he shared the love of his Savior with all around him; when necessary he used words, but always in service and care. Along with Jean, they shared their home, their money, and their time with friends and those in need. They held a perspective that they owned nothing, and simply served as stewards of what God gave them to manage. Where Jesus directed Ray to go, he went.

Over his last decade, Ray dealt admirably with a variety of challenging health issues. He continued to live with vitality, laughter, and wisdom while battling three types of cancer and multiple surgeries. In his last days, he expressed great joy about entering the presence of God and being united with his wife.

Ray is survived by his son, Kevin Ray Woody and his wife, Bonnie. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Bonnie for her exceptional devotion, attendance, and care to both Ray and Jean over many years and through difficult circumstances. Ray is also survived by his first daughter-in-law, Michelle Gandy and her husband, Curt. Salem Raye Smith (Jack), Caleb Woody, and Grant Woody (Trilby) are his grandchildren along with treasured and bonus grandkids, Bruce and Jilla Brewer and Brandon Brewer. Ray and Jean were blessed by ten sparkling great grandchildren: Taylor, Emma, Abigail, Finn, Henry, Liam, Raegan, Isaac, Mac, and Cooper Ray. As you may notice, his name and influence will continue.

The family delights and affirms the Christian principle that those who have chosen to follow Jesus “will be absent from the body but present with the Lord.” They grieve the departure of a man who loved with gentleness and led with confidence in God. Our family is blessed beyond measure to have enjoyed his love and devotion to us.

A private family graveside service was held on Friday, April 3, 2020. A memorial service will be held at a later date due to current events and gathering restrictions.