Don was born on July 7, 1942. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Emily Lee Ray, and also by his sister, Frances Ray Sigmon.
Don was a graduate of Harding High School. He earned an associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology from Central Piedmont Community College in 1975. He then served on the Charlotte Fire Department, retiring as a captain after 25 years. Don also worked for many years as a volunteer on the Kure Beach Fire Department, a town that served as a second home to him and his family. Don also had a passion for building and creating, and he used those talents to work as a contractor for numerous years. He often enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and driving his Jeep out on the beach at Fort Fisher. He was lovingly called “Pawpaw Don Ray.”
Don’s survivors include his two daughters, Frankie Ray Turner (George) and D’Juan Ray Hickes (Mark); four grandchildren, Jesse Turner (Lindsey), John Hickes (Courtney), Meredith Ingram (Lane), and James Hickes (Skye); four great-grandchildren, Nolan, Kendall, Rori, and Baylor; and sister, Barbara Ray Davis.
Visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel on Sunday, December 10th from 3-5pm. A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill on Monday, December 11th at 2pm.
Memorial donations may be made to support the Got Em On Live Bait Club’s Disabled Sportsmans Fishing Tournament, an event that Don liked to support, or to the Kure Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
