Willis Eugene Ray, 71, of 30 Ray Hollar Road, Weaverville, NC, died Monday, January 9, 2017. He was the son of the late Ernest and Willoree Ray. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by a sister, Linda Buckner and a brother, Rothy Ray. Mr. Ray is survived by a daughter, Darlene Johnson (Marty); a son, Brian Dale Ray; grandchildren, Matthew Swann (Donna), Andrew Swann (Brittanie) and Sydney Ray and Rachel Johnson; sisters, Vera Massey (Larry), Gail Grooms (Don); three great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; awesome friends and many fishing buddies, just to name a few, David Ingle, Rick Carter and Steve Kiser; and cat, Gracie. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Pastor James Briggs will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Blue Ridge Funeral Service, PO Box 27, Mars Hill, NC 28754 to assist the family with the funeral service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.