Roy Alvis Ray

Roy Alvis Ray, “Peepaw,” 87, of 743 Brown Road, Reidsville, N.C., passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, N.C. Roy was born July 12, 1930 in Carrboro, N.C. to the late Atlas Mangum and Lillian Keck Ray. He was an only child. As his parents’ health declined, he was a loving caregiver and always by their side. Roy served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. On August 23, 1958, he married the love of his life, Maxine Thompson. They shared a wonderful life together with many special memories. Roy was a man of God, and he raised his family to have strong faith, as well. He attended Sharon Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years, and was a member of the Young at Heart Sunday School Class. He worked at Sears for 34 years. He was a lifelong Carolina fan. Although he was often quiet, Roy loved to make jokes. His smile and blue eyes would light up a room. Roy was an avid animal lover. He loved to feed the birds, sometimes twice a day, and brought a plate of treats to his son’s dog “Sally” every afternoon. He loved the beach, but he mostly loved to be at home. In his later years, Roy suffered from dementia. It was a blessing that the Lord brought Roy home before his illness reached later stages. He knew everyone up until the day he died. Roy is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Maxine; two children: Avery Brant Ray and his wife Joyce, and Rhonda Hudson; four grandchildren: Benjamin Ray, Molly Ray Phillips and her husband James, Candice Hudson and Caroline Hudson; and an extended family and many friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Sharon Baptist Church in Reidsville. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, September 29, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville. The family will also receive friends at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215. The family would like to thank the hospital staff and nurse Tina for their care in his last days.