James "Buddy" Milton Ray, 66, of Mars Hill, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 5, 2018 at his residence. He was the son of the late Milt and Grace Robinson Ray. James retired from Thermo Fisher after 35 years of employment. He is survived by his wife Rita English Ray; sons, Phillip Lee Woody (Tammy), Andy James Ray; sisters, Doris Penland (Quentin Austin) and Shirley Wallin; grandchildren, Kadee Jo and Cade Charles Woody and several nieces and nephews. James was Rita's heart and soul and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. A funeral service will be held 2:00PM, March 8, 2018 Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverend Junior Hensley will officiate. Burial will follow in the Brown Ray Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are: Eldridge, Tony and Clint English, Mark Wallin, Brad Payne, Darrell Gardner, Quentin Austin, Doug Miller and Trenton "TC" Metcalf. The family will receive friends 12-2 prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org