John Wray Townsend

John “Wray” Townsend, 68, went to be with his Heavenly Father and his mom, dad, and brother on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Hickory Falls Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Granite Falls where he resided for the last five and half years. He fought a long, hard fight to stay with us. He was born in Cleveland County on August 20, 1949 to Clifton Townsend and Trivie Ellen Young Townsend of George Hildebran School Road. Wray was the youngest of seven children. Wray’s greatest enjoyment came from doing genealogy and playing music. He was a member of Burke Chapel United Methodist Church on George Hildebran School Road. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifton Townsend; his mother, Trivie Ellen Young Townsend; and his oldest brother, Billy Townsend. Those left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Betty Lail, Nellie Marie Lewis, and husband Dan, and Judy Lee Owensby and husband Andy of Hickory, two brothers, Bob Townsend and wife Bonnie of Hickory, and Richard Clifton Townsend of Rutherford College; 17 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Burke Chapel UMC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m. at the church. Pastor George Williams will be officiating the services. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burke Chapel UMC, 3650 George Hildebran School Road, Hickory, NC 28602.