Gerald Phillip Ray

Gerald Phillip Ray, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Mission Hospital in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Born on June 5, 1948, in Haywood County, Gerald led a remarkable life filled with service and commitment.
 
Gerald's legacy includes a fulfilling career that spanned over three decades at Champion International/Blueridge Paper, as well as over 17 years at Haywood Vocation Opportunities. His dedication and hard work left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of working with him.
 
A proud United States Navy Veteran who served in Vietnam, Gerald exemplified courage and patriotism throughout his military service.
 
Gerald will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oder and Robbie Crawford Ray; his wife, Marianne Gray Ray, who died in 2013; and his sister, Linda Haney.
 
He is survived by his loving son, Scott Ray and daughter-in-law Angie of Clyde; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Scott King of Hendersonville, NC; two grandchildren, Parker and Georgia Grace Ray; as well as several nieces and nephews.
 
A visitation in memory of Gerald will be held on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Haywood County Schools Foundation, 1233 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC  28786.
 
 The care of Mr. Ray has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.