Burl Wayne Ray

Franklin, NC - Burl Wayne Ray, age 89 of Franklin, NC passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012. Born in Swain County, he was the son of the late John and Georgia Wishon Ray. He was retired from Zickgraf Hardwood Company; was the oldest living member of Mt. Sinai Assembly of God and was a U S Army veteran, serving during WWII. Mr. Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who liked to dig ginseng, fishing and keeping bees.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lucille Pendergrass Ray, six daughters, Wanda Shepherd, Deborah Holland and husband Steve, Elaine Holland and husband Phillip, Ila Giles, Ann Holland, and Tammy Collier and husband Lloyd all of Franklin, NC; two sisters, Gladys Welch and Gassie Gilbert of Lincolnton, NC; three brothers, Willard Ray of Franklin, Clint Ray of Oregon and Hess Ray of Missouri and a special cousin, Rita McCoy. Fifteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by a son, Bill Ray.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Mt. Sinai Assembly of God with Rev. John Raby, Rev. Bryon Lamb and Rev. Jared Benedict officiating. Burial will be in Roper Cemetery. Franklin VFW Post #7339 and American Legion Post #108 wil perform military graveside rites.

Pallbearers will be Terry Holland, Micky Raby, Freddie Raby, Bob Ray, Johnny Pendergrass, David Pendergrass, James Ray and Donnie Marion. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Bryant Grant Funeral Home where the body will remain until being placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the service.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.