Obituary for Randall Duane "Randy" Ray
Randall “Randy” Duane Ray, 53, of Weaverville, gently passed from this world and entered into the arms of Jesus Christ Thursday, May 11, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family. He is the son of Richard Leon Ray and the late Wanda McKinney Ray. He was an avid lover of dirt bikes, ATVs, water skiing, movies, hot rods, 80s music, camping at the lake, and being outside.
As a child, Randy loved his match box cars. His love for cars and desire to go fast continued into his teenage years, where he learned how to be an excellent mechanic and could identify any car or hot rod on the road, by year, make, and model. Randy worked for Apple Tree Honda and the Honda Service Center. After deciding on a career change, Randy worked for AT&T, then for NC Department of Transportation, where he worked hard for the remainder of his career. Randy's teenage years were filled with events that would shape his life. Not only did he learn how to work on cars, Randy graduated Enka High School in 1988, met the love of his life, Lisa Smith Ray, and became a member of Coles Cove Baptist Church, where he made his relationship with Jesus Christ personal at the age of 16.
Randy was an active member in his church. He was the teenage class Sunday school teacher, choir leader, and Vacation Bible School Principal. In these roles, he was able to touch lives not only by teaching the word of God, but by living by example. In all that Randy did, he wanted to exemplify Christ with words and actions. It was also his desire to raise his family in church.
Throughout his life, Randy was described as husband, best friend, son, brother, and helper, but his most prized title was dad. He would describe his daughters as "his girls" and they would describe him as the best girl dad. The love and care Randy took of his family was evident in all he done, including buying his girls an old golf cart to ride around in the yard. When asked about being concerned about his grass or yard appearance, his response was, "they won't be young forever, and the grass will grow back."
Randy is survived by his wife Lisa Smith Ray of 30 years (but known each other for 35), his girls, Paige Ray (Bill Barrett) and Peyton Ray Lynch (Chae); father Leon Ray; sister Angie Culp; a niece and nephews; his in laws Howell and Mary Jo Smith; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Randy was also called uncle by two special cousins, Nicholas and Alyssa Jamerson. Randy is Pops to his first grandbaby, who is arriving in September this year. He will be remembered by several close friends throughout his life.
Randy displayed resiliency, bravery, strength, grit, and determination with every obstacle that life threw his way. Randy never complained, but instead pushed through all challenges and sufferings with a positive attitude and sense of humor. When you think of Randy, think of his smile, laugh, sense of adventure, wisdom, and love for the Lord.
Receiving of friends will be on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00 pm at Locust Grove Baptist Church and a funeral on May 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Locust Grove Baptist Church, burial to follow. Reverend Junior Hollifield will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Outreach of Samaritans Purse.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the Brain Tumor Research Center at Duke, Messino Cancer Care, CarePartners Hospice, Hayden Davis, PA at Biltmore Family, family and community members, church family and DOT co-workers.
As a child, Randy loved his match box cars. His love for cars and desire to go fast continued into his teenage years, where he learned how to be an excellent mechanic and could identify any car or hot rod on the road, by year, make, and model. Randy worked for Apple Tree Honda and the Honda Service Center. After deciding on a career change, Randy worked for AT&T, then for NC Department of Transportation, where he worked hard for the remainder of his career. Randy's teenage years were filled with events that would shape his life. Not only did he learn how to work on cars, Randy graduated Enka High School in 1988, met the love of his life, Lisa Smith Ray, and became a member of Coles Cove Baptist Church, where he made his relationship with Jesus Christ personal at the age of 16.
Randy was an active member in his church. He was the teenage class Sunday school teacher, choir leader, and Vacation Bible School Principal. In these roles, he was able to touch lives not only by teaching the word of God, but by living by example. In all that Randy did, he wanted to exemplify Christ with words and actions. It was also his desire to raise his family in church.
Throughout his life, Randy was described as husband, best friend, son, brother, and helper, but his most prized title was dad. He would describe his daughters as "his girls" and they would describe him as the best girl dad. The love and care Randy took of his family was evident in all he done, including buying his girls an old golf cart to ride around in the yard. When asked about being concerned about his grass or yard appearance, his response was, "they won't be young forever, and the grass will grow back."
Randy is survived by his wife Lisa Smith Ray of 30 years (but known each other for 35), his girls, Paige Ray (Bill Barrett) and Peyton Ray Lynch (Chae); father Leon Ray; sister Angie Culp; a niece and nephews; his in laws Howell and Mary Jo Smith; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Randy was also called uncle by two special cousins, Nicholas and Alyssa Jamerson. Randy is Pops to his first grandbaby, who is arriving in September this year. He will be remembered by several close friends throughout his life.
Randy displayed resiliency, bravery, strength, grit, and determination with every obstacle that life threw his way. Randy never complained, but instead pushed through all challenges and sufferings with a positive attitude and sense of humor. When you think of Randy, think of his smile, laugh, sense of adventure, wisdom, and love for the Lord.
Receiving of friends will be on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00 pm at Locust Grove Baptist Church and a funeral on May 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Locust Grove Baptist Church, burial to follow. Reverend Junior Hollifield will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Outreach of Samaritans Purse.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the Brain Tumor Research Center at Duke, Messino Cancer Care, CarePartners Hospice, Hayden Davis, PA at Biltmore Family, family and community members, church family and DOT co-workers.