Earl Ray

Asheville Earl Rex Ray, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend went on to be with the Lord Sunday, February 7, 2010, and will be dearly missed. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Alma Wright Ray. He was also preceded in death by his brothers: Richard, Max, and Kenneth Ray; and sisters: Rebecca and NanaLee. After high school, he served in the US Army and was given an honorable discharge, receiving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Earl took extreme pride in his work and the jobs that he performed. He retired from Burlington Mills, where he was honored for never missing a days work in 36 years. He also retired from Beacons Manufacturing following 10 years of service. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Geneva Odum Ray; daughters: Donna McGaughey and Dawn Ledford (Rick); son, David Ray (Shirley); grandchildren: Crystal Johnson (David), Christina Clark (Mitchell), and Eric, Caleb and Mikayla Ledford; and great-grandson, Ayden Johnson. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandson. He is also survived by his brothers: Herbert and Bennie Joe Ray. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Thursday at Glory Tabernacle, with the Rev. Ronnie Pittman and Rev. Ronnie Anglin officiating. Burial will follow in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the church. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting the Ray family.