James Earl Ray

Arden - James Earl Ray, 70, of 1728 Brevard Road, died Tuesday April 1, 2003 at the Asheville V.A. Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County. He was an U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Korean War. He was a son of the late Willard Columbus and Amanda Robinson Ray. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Edgar Ray and Herman Ray and sister, Minnie Allen. Surviving are his sisters, Louise Wilson and husband, Charles of Hendersonville, Gladys Ragan of Oakley, Mary Earnhardt of Fletcher, Arrie Frantz of Knoxville, TN and Mildred Rogers of Jacksonville, FL; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.