Carrol Ray

Mr. Ray, 81, of Charlotte, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 6, 2011.

Born March 3, 1930 in Burnsville, NC, Mr. Ray was a son of the late Rev. William Elzie Ray and Nell Proffitt Ray. He served in the U.S. Navy for nine years during the Korean War and was stationed aboard the USS Mindoro.

Following his military service, Mr. Ray attended school in Clarksburg. He was first employed with Deal Buick in Asheville and later worked for Folger Buick and Gowen Oldsmobile in Charlotte before opening his own business, J&R Garage in 1977 working there until several weeks ago.

Mr. Ray was a member of Westmoreland Baptist Church where he served as an ordained Deacon for more than twenty-five years, as well as serving in many other roles through the years including teaching Sunday School. His life was focused on his love for his children and grandchildren and sharing his faith and love to everyone, especially to those who came into his shop.

Mr. Ray’s family includes his children, Janet Ray Beck and husband Melvin of Belmont, Rev. John Ray and wife Elizabeth of Kings Mountain and Jeff Ray of Charlotte; his grandchildren, David Beck and wife Halee of Belmont, and Hannah Ray and Vivien Ray, both of Kings Mountain; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Mr. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Mathis Ray, in 1981.

Mr. Ray’s family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, June 9th at Westmoreland Baptist Church. His life will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday, June 10th at the church with his pastor, Rev. Todd Marlow, and his son, Rev. John Ray, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at 4:00 PM Friday at the family cemetery on Possum Trot Road in Burnsville, NC.

Memorials may be sent to Westmoreland Baptist Church, 3205 Sam Wilson Road, Charlotte, NC 28214.