Leroy Ray
May 4, 1926 ~ March 14, 2008
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Leroy Ray, 81, of Asheville passed away March 14, 2008.
Leroy was the son of the late Richard and Lillie Ray of the Cane River community in Yancey County. He was born and grew up there along with his brothers and sisters and extended family. He attended Bald Creek School and was graduated from Burnsville High School.
Leroy was a veteran of WWII and served as an engineer with the rank of third class petty officer in the United States Navy aboard the USS Cherokee. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After leaving the service, Leroy worked in Detroit briefly in order to help support his family back home. Upon returning to the area, he was employed with the North Carolina State Department of Statistics and Planning of Highways.
In 1962, he founded Ray's Home Improvement Company. Leroy proved to be an "A-Number One Salesman" in what became his life's work. He truly loved serving the Western North Carolina area as a businessman of great integrity and was recognized by the Asheville Citizen-Times as a "Salesman for the Lord" in a newspaper article about his life.
Leroy was an active and faithful church member throughout his life. He was a member of both Abernethy and Central United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He served as an active member of the United Methodist Men for many years and was president of this organization four years during which time he attended the National Methodist Men's Conference at Purdue University in Indiana. He served as the program chairman for the Methodist Men's Prayer Breakfast which supported ministers in seminary.
Leroy was also extremely active in the community. He was a long time member of the Asheville Kiwanis Club and received the rare Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding sales abilities in fundraising for various projects and charities. He was also recognized for 30 years of perfect attendance in the Kiwanis Club.
Leroy served as an active member and served on the board of the Asheville Better Business Bureau for over 30 years. He was elected and served as the president of the West Asheville Business Men's Association. He founded "Leroy's Boys" in 1992. This was an informal men's fellowship group that met weekly to enjoy lunch and to share the latest jokes and funny stories.
Leroy could usually be found leading the fun no matter where he was with his outgoing personality and charming smile. Leroy never met a stranger; they were simply people whom he had not met. He will be remembered by his family and all who knew and loved him as a "one of a kind individual". He loved his family, his friends, his community, his country and the North Carolina Tar Heels. God has welcomed home an honorable man.
Leroy married Mary Farmer in 1957. They had three children. She preceded him in death. In 1987, he married Marie Roberts Flowers. Leroy always considered himself blessed to have married two well-educated women.
Leroy is survived by his three children, Katie Leigh Luther and her husband Ray of High Point, North Carolina; Karen Lynn Donner and her husband Chris of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and their children, Samantha, MacKenzie, Emily, Ben, and Gaven; and by his son Jeff Ray of Asheville and his children Jami and Christen. He is also survived by his wife Marie Ray of Asheville and her children Julie Lewis and her husband Stacy of Fort Mill, South Carolina; and Hal Flowers and his wife Susan of Asheville and their children David, Lauren, Jordan, and Adam. His siblings are Reva Radford, Ruby Wilson, Dorothy McKinney, Bis Ray and his wife Edna, and Margie Griner and her husband Buddy. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Carson and Shelby Ray. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Evelyn Farmer of Marble, North Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by Groce Funeral Home in West Asheville. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, March 17, at 7:00 p.m. and the memorial service will be held in the Groce Funeral Home chapel at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18. The burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to Respite Care Ministries 405 King Street Charleston, South Carolina 29403.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Rusty, Debbie & Lindsey Burgess
May God be with each of you in the immediate family. We in Leroy’s extended family grieve with and pray for you.
To Leroy’s family~
Words cannot express my deep sorrow for the loss of your father, grandfather, husband, brother, and uncle. I only knew him for a few months, but he made an impression and he will never be forgotten. It was evident that he loved his family, was proud of his work, and enjoyed his life. It was a great privilege and blessing to have Leroy with us while he was in South Carolina. And you know we will always think of him singing ‘All Around the Water Tank’, laughing with us, and giving us big hugs.
I know you will miss him…but, my wish is that you have happy memories of him that make you smile.
Leroy was a great entertainer and a great man but above all, he was a great Christian. Leroy always had a smile and handshake for everyone and he loved life. Leroy is no longer ‘around the water tank waiting for a train’ he is around the throne of God and at home.
Jeff & Family
I just learned of your fathers passing. He was a great man. I know that your family is grieving right now, but just remember he’s at home with the Lord, he’s free and he’s trying out his wings. Please try to remember all the good times that you and your family had with him, and know that he is watching over all of you. If me or my family can be of any help to you let us know. We will keep you in our prayers.
Janet D.Wofford &Family
Asheville High Class of 1987
I love you papaw! You were a great grandpa and I just wanted to tell you that I know you are in a better place and to have fun at heaven! 😀 I love you! I will pray for you and all the people that loved you! Which is alot of people! I will be thinking of you!
Luv you with all my heart! 😀
Luv,
Jami Ray (ur grandaughter)
We’ll miss LeRoy. He was the life of our party!
Jim Owens
Respite Care Ministries
Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Johns Island, SC
Our thoughts are with you. Leroy did always love to be a friend. He had kind words for everyone and was interested in all that you had to tell. He enjoyed sharing his memories with you and somehow seemed to be able to make a connection with everyone. We will miss him. Love always, your friend, Marti
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Especially to Katie. Vickie N.
I am so sorry for everyone who was close to Leroy.
Briana (Jami’s friend)
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Katie, we love you very much!
Leroy will long be remembered by the Time For You Respite Group in Mount Pleasant. We enjoyed his stories and songs. His vibrant personality really added to our group. He will be missed. Please know that your families will be in our thoughts and prayers.
To my sister in Christ, Karen and her family,
Your father will be missed. I know and you know where he has gone he’s much happier. Your father was truly a delightful man. Our few visits meant alot and put perspective in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you lots. If you need me I’m here.
Karen, I was so sad to learn that your dad passed away. I know you feel blessed to have been able to spend lots of time with him over the past few months. My mom and I are happy to have met him. He could certainly light up a room! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of his family.
Jeff and extended family,
My thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family in this time
of sorrow.
Lynda C Moxley
H & Co Bookkeeping & Tax Service
Katie,
I am thinking of you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Level Cross loves you!
Penny
Katie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love you.
Wendy
Jeff, Karen and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish I could be there. I’ll always remember Leroy’s smile and how he was always truly glad to see you.
I know that the passing of your father must be a huge loss to you and your family, Katie. He was obviously a warm, gentle, and very special individual. After reading about him I can see where you get a lot of your special traits.
Much love and prayers to you,
Mary Luper
Marie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss; Leroy truly was a special and good man. Although I will be unable to attend the visitation Monday evening, I hope to be able to catch you at home before Tuesday. I have many more thoughts to express, but I will save those for a card or for in person. You and all your family are in my prayers.
Katie,
We were saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. We understand the past few years have been somewhat of a struggle and you will miss him dearly. Although we never met your dad, I’m sure that the qualities we see in you are indicative of his nature. He must have been a loving, fair and decent man that was well respected by those that knew him through life. As the saying goes, ‘The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree’. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Mamaw,
We are sorry for the loss of Leroy. We always had so much fun coming to your house and sitting with Leroy and singing songs. He made us laugh and we enjoyed listening to his stories. We will miss him. We love you and we will always be here to help you. We are praying for you and the family. Love, Adam, Lauren and Jordan
Jeff, Christen and Jami; Karen and family-
Leroy was a part of our extended family for a long time. He could always be counted on to lift one’s spirits and to share a compliment and a story for laughter. During this time of transition, may you find peace and may your pleasant memories fill you with gratitude for having had such a dad and papaw. We are thinking of each of you.
Blessings,
Katie,
We are praying for you and your family. May God bless you.
Love,
Valencia, Alexander, James, and Victoria Williams
To all the family:
I am Dorothy McKinney’s grandson, and while we have never met, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to you during this time of grief. The apostle Paul said that for him, ‘To live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ While we often speak of ‘loss’ during these times(and certainly in a sense it is), we know that those who are ‘in Christ’ have gained eternal life in the presence of a Risen and Living Savior – away from the body, but at home with the Lord!
God give you strength, faith, and comfort.
With love and prayers,
Rev. Chris and Jamie Fox
Dear Marie
I am so sorry for all of your losses as of late
Love
Belinda
Dear Marie, Julie & Hal,
My heart goes out to you. You’ve had a lot to deal with over the past month. I pray that’ll you’ll know the Father’s peace, comfort and rest.
Love, Kimberly
Katie and Ray,
We are thinking of you at this time of loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David, April, August and Cooper
Katie and family,
You are all in our prayers. Katie you are a special person because of your Mom and Dad. They are both in a better place. Remember the wonderful memories. Love, Rusty and Darlene
Katie,
I am truly sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do for you in this time of need let me know.
Love,
Kelley Banks
We at Givens will miss him very much. The halls will never be the same without his cheery lyrics and charming personality.
Katie,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
I am honored that I was able to meet Mr Ray before he passed. What a character! He will truly be missed!
Marie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Leroy was a very special person and I loved hearing him talk about Yancey County! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Love, Susan
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marie and family,
Just to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
My love,
Coleen J. Crawford
Katie – you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you be sustained by the strength of God and by the memorable times you had with your mom and dad. May this be a time to lean on those who will bear your burdens and so lift up Christ’s name. We are thinking of you during this trying time both now and in the days to come.
Katie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ray in this difficult time.
Katie,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I know you are comforted by your memories and your faith. You, Ray, and the rest of your family are in our prayers.
Debbie Beeson
What a wonderful man you had as a father. You were so very lucky to have grown up in such a warm home. I know you are going to miss him.
Take care of yourself. I am praying for you and your family.
t
Marie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you will miss Leroy but always remember and cherish the many wonderful memories you have.
Dear Katie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God give you strength and comfort.
May God give you the peace and comfort that He can only give. Remember the blessed promise that you will see your Dad again one day. You all are in my prayers.
Dear Family,
During this time of loss, may God’s daily presence minister to your every need.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Otto and Jackie DeBruhl
Katie,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I know how close you were with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie,
I am sorry about the loss of your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susie sent me an e-mail telling me of your loss. May God bless you with His comfort and know Leroy is enjoying excellent health now. My heart aches for all you are going through, but I know you will be all right because of your trust in our Precious Lord Jesus.
Katie, Karen, and Jeff and family –
First, I want all of you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. It is tough to lose a parent, but I hope you find peace in knowing that your Dad is sitting with the Lord right now and is in a better place than any of us. I hope it goes without saying that your Dad was special to me, especially during my childhood and beyond – I have many, many memories of him and they always create a smile. We all shared such a special time in our lives there in Wilshire Park and your Dad was always a constant – he was one of the few people I can look back on and remember that he always had a smile and a kind word (except when I would drink all of the orange juice!) That still makes me laugh to this day – those are the things I will never forget. It seems like every time I drive through the neighborhood or just pass by on Patton Ave that I look up at Wilburn Rd. and it seems like yestereday when we were there, what a blessing it was to grow up there with family look you. And I want to leave you with this thought – your Dad had a positive influence on me and I will never forget him, and there are many more that I know can say the same thing, he was truly a special man. I love you guys and am sorry that I cannot be at the service but know that I am thinking of you.
Katie,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. We miss you and pray you have a restful Easter holiday. May God bless and keep you.
‘…the joy of the Lord is my strength.’ Neh.8:10b
In His love,
Debbie Nardali
Katie,
You were surely blessed to have such a wonderful and loving father. I know he was extremely proud of who you have become. I will surely be praying for you and your family.
Dear Katie,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I know it has been hard for you these past months as his health declined. We miss you but are glad you have this time to be with your family. Looking forward to seeing you after the Easter break!
Love, Ann
May God’s peace and grace envelope you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you…
Dear Marie and Family – I was so sorry to hear that Leroy had passed away. I shall always remember him coming to the musicals at NBES and all the good works he did. I was just released from the hospital after major surgery and apologize that I won’t be able to attend the service today. Please know that you and each of your family members will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap you in His everloving arms to give you comfort and peace during this time. Love, Marcella
Dear Katie, Ray, and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. If I can do anything, please do not hesitate to call.
Love,
Selena, Scott, Alex, and Tyler
Mrs. Luther and fam.
My deepest condolences to you and your fam. May God give you all streght and hope. We are praying for you all. God Bless you always.
Karen-
I was sorry to hear about your Dad.
Cheryl
Katie – so sorry about your father’s passing. We miss you at school. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Nan
dear karen and family,
was sorry to hear of your loss.
i know how much your dad was adored in our community.
may our lord be with you all during this hardship.
love, lucinda davis chafin
Ray & Katie Leigh, Karen & Jeff,
It was a beautiful funeral service.
I think Leroy would have loved it!
Ray, your remarks were most appropriate and your solo just beautiful. Karen, your daughter did a wonderful job with the flute solo and your son with taps. So good that they could participate in the service. Jeff, since you worked with him so many years, you
have so many special memories of him. The military rites at the gravesite were so meaningful to everyone, and especially touching to us who can remember WWII.
Although his death seemed sudden, I am glad that he did not live in a deteriorating state for a long time. May God give you comfort and peace as you grieve. We send you our love.
Susie & Bob Ray
Tip, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of and praying for you at this time.