James Willard Ray

James Willard Ray, 97, of Franklin, NC, passed away Friday, April 8, 2016. Mr. Ray was born in Macon County January 8, 1919 to the late John W. Ray and Georgia W. Ray. He was married 66 years to the late Betty Lois Ray who preceded him January 19, 2016. Mr. Ray was a U.S. Army veteran serving in three campaigns; Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland as a machine gunner; he was a hardworking man who worked in construction and farming; and he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Mr. Ray was of the Christian faith.

Mr. Ray is survived by two daughters, Pauline Brabson (Roger) and Diane Passmore (Dillard) all of Franklin; seven sons, Pete Ray (Lori), Paul Ray (Joann), James Ray (fiancée) Diane Spaninato), Bob Ray (Kathy), Charles Ray, David Ray (Mindy), and John Ray (companion Lisa Curtis) and a daughter-in-law, Jamie Ray all of Franklin; a sister, Gladys Welch of Lincolnton, NC; and a brother, William Hess Ray of Missouri; twenty eight grandchildren; many great- grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren.

Mr. Ray was preceded in death by a sister, Gassie Gilbert; and two brothers, Burl Ray and Clint Ray.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home with the Rev. Greg Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery at the double churches. The family will receive friends 12:00-2:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Chad Ray, Kevin Passmore, Bryton Ray, Roger Brabson, Robbie Ray, and Daren Pressley.

Online condolences may be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is serving the Ray family.