Bobby Vance Ray

Arden ~ Bobby Vance Ray, 54, of Appian Way, died peacefully at his residence Thursday, January 23, 2003. He was born in Florida, but spent most of his life in the Asheville area. He was the son of the late Georgia Owenby Ray and Vance Ray. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Borders and a brother, Richard Ray. Bobby was retired from the Biltmore Company following 22 years of service as property manager. He was a veteran of Vietnam serving from 1968 - 1970. He was a member of Emmas Grove Baptist Church. He loved and was loved by his family very much. Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Joyce DeHart Ray, formerly of Franklin, NC, now of Arden; two sons, Robert Devin Ray of St. Petersburg, FL and Curtis Alley and his wife, Heather; one grandchild Thana Alley, all of Arden; three sisters, Wanda Ray and Gail Ray, both of Asheville and Pam Shaw of Charlotte; two brothers, David Ray and Doug Ray, both of Asheville. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with Rev. Donnie Chapman officiating. Interment will follow in Emmas Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Asheville High School Marine Corp. JROTC conducting military honors. Pallbearers will be Wayne Alley, Andrew Arthur, Alec Arthur, Allen Shaw, Joel Johnson and Darrin DeHart. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 College Place, Building C, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801.