– John Troy Ray (10/29/34 – 6/24/2020) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, June 24th.
A lifelong resident of Weaverville, NC, graduate of Stephens-Lee High School and Blantons Business College, he retired from GTE (now Verizon) after holding positions as custodian, lineman, and warehouseman over his more than 30 years of service. A veteran of the Army tank corps, he also served his community for many years as a church trustee and volunteer fireman.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine Ray, his children; Howard (Lori) of Rock Hill, SC, Hilton (Julie) of Charlotte, NC, Reggie Ray and Dottie Ray Hawthorne (Maurice) of Weaverville; and his grandchildren Wesley, Devin, and Morgan Ray, Michele and Denise Demby, Micah and Sara Nix, Donte Hawthorne, and Ryan Houston. Many others knew this strong, quiet, loving man simply as “Daddy Ray”.
Because of the virus, he requested that there be no service or gathering. Rev. Louis Grant will commit his remains to the earth. The family expresses its thanks for, and finds great comfort in, the outpouring of love and support it has received from the Weaverville community.