Richard "Leon" Ray, age 77, passed away on December 7, 2023. He was born on August 13, 1946, in Yancey County, to the late Kenneth and Glen Eva Calloway Ray.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Wanda McKinney Ray; his son, Randy Ray; sisters, Peggy Deitz, and Jean Hicks; and brothers, Bill and Carol Ray.

Leon loved attending car shows and rod runs. His favorite car was the 55 Chevrolet Bel Air. Leon enjoyed riding dirt bikes, and camping,

Leon is survived by a daughter, Angie Culp; daughter-in-law, Lisa Ray; sister, Ruth Gardner; 5 grandchildren, Travis Fox, Garrett Butler, Paige Ray (Bill Barrett), Autumn Culp, and Peyton Lynch (Chae); and 1 great grandchild, Emerson Barrett.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday January 6, 2024, in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Reverend Junior Hollifield will officiate. The family will greet friends at Coles Cove Baptist Church fellowship building from 12-1pm prior to the service.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers or honorary donations may be send to Coles Cove Baptist Church PO Box 1196 Weaverville, NC 28787.

The family would also like to recognize and offer special thank you to Debbie Hoder for her love, care, and devotion to Leon and Wanda.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.