Liberty, SC - Mr. William "Bill" Ray, 97, loving husband of Ruth O'Bryant Ray, of Liberty, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 11, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home.
Bill was born in Pickens County on November 30, 1923 to the late William Vernon and Julia Reynolds Ray. He served in the US Navy from 1941 to 1947. During his service, Bill earned 4 ribbons: The European-African-Middle East Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacifio Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon, and a World War II Victory Ribbon. After his service, he relocated to New York where he worked for the Department of Mental Hygiene as a Therapy Aid. Upon his retirement, he came back to the Upstate of South Carolina where he met his loving wife. He became a loving father and grandfather figure to Mrs. Ray's family. Bill loved serving the Lord, spending time with his family, helping others, and enjoying music. He will be truly missed and left a lasting impression in many hearts during his time here on Earth.
In addition to his loving wife, Bill is survived by his 5 step-daughters: Rhonda Chandler (Phillip) of Easley, Emily Williams (Terry) of Pickens, Wendy Brown (Billy) of Pelzer, Amanda Toney (Richard) of Pickens, and Rosia Roberts of Six Mile; two brothers: Dale Ray of Norris and Billy Ray of Liberty; a sister: Carolyn Wardlaw of Easley; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a son: Billy Ray; a daughter: Barbara Ray; and his siblings: Frances Edwards, Sandra Brake, Roy Ray, and Troy Ray.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 20, 2021 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM on Thursday, March 11, 21021 at the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper VA Cemetery in Anderson.
The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Saturday, February 20, 2021, prior to the service from 11:00 AM until 11:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Purple Heart Homes USA Golden Corner Chapter via their website at https://purplehearthomesusa.org/donate/
The family is at the residence.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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