Claude Ray, age 90, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Ray was born on February 3, 1931 in Coffee County, Georgia the son of the late John Middleton Ray and Pearl Sears Ray.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Winnie Lou Cady Ray, brothers, Palmer, Avery and Johnny Ray and sisters, Grace Ray, Linnie Land and Rowena “Early” Cook.
Mr. Ray worked as a bookkeeper for several companies through the years, Paulk Livestock, Crider’s Poultry, Winston Salem Tobacco Market and Coat Manufacturing. He retired from RDR, a division of Ryder and he was the operator of Cady’s Grocery. He served his country with the United States Army, serving during the Korean War, where he received the Purple Heart. He always had a smile and laughter and so did you when you were in his presence. He was a very caring person always doing for others as long as his health permitted. There is no way to describe his love for his wife, Lou, sons Juran and Buddy and the grandchildren. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and brother-in-law, uncle whom his nieces and nephews loved dearly. Mr. Ray was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Douglas, Georgia.
Survivors include his sons, Juran Ray of Douglas, GA and Buddy (Becky) Ray of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Mandy Ray Adams (Josh) of Perry, GA, Zach Ray 0f Douglas, GA, Cady Ray of Douglas, GA, Madison Ray of Knoxville, TN, Michael ray of Knoxville, TN and Taylor Ray of Knoxville, TN; great granddaughter, Emma Grace Adams of Perry, GA; sister-in-law, Faye Adams of Douglas, GA; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, April 21, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Douglas, GA with Bishop Michael Jackson in charge with Lydia Land and Timothy Fussell. The eulogy will be given by Beth Harper. Bruce White will give the opening prayer and Joey Chancey will give a closing prayer. The dedication of the grave will be by Billy Smith.
Pallbearers will be Michael Ray, Zach Ray, Stacy Adams, Steve Adams, William Mills, Steve Ray, Van Grantham, Josh Adams, Jake Mizell and Jimmy Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers will be 2nd Ward Priesthood, Scotty Bush, Melvin Wilson, Harold Barnes, Charles Harper and Kevin Kneeland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missions, Douglas, GA.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Due to COVID-19, Sims Funeral Home Inc. will require all guests and attendees to wear appropriate medical grade face-masks and maintain social distancing at all times while visiting our facility, and highly encouraged at our services outside of our facility. Masks are not provided.