Jimmy Lloyd Ray

Jimmy Lloyd Ray, 70, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Mission Hospital McDowell.

He was born March 03, 1951 in McDowell County to the late Clyde Ray, Sr. and Effie Whisenant Ray.

Jimmy was an active and devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church where he served for many years in various capacities, often behind the scenes. In his early years, he was an avid softball player and later became a women’s softball coach. He was also a big fan of baseball, and he was particularly fond of the LA Dodgers. Jimmy never met a stranger, and after being saved, everyone knew him to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Ray Whisenant and Clyde “Tub” Ray, Jr.

He is survived by seven siblings, Bobby Ray, Brenda Whisenant, who was his twin, Mack Allen Ray, Michael “Rat” Ray (Brenda), Leroy Ray (Mary), Amos Ray, and Lisa Massagee; and a number of nieces and nephews, including Jason Ray (Deeana) and David Ray (Heather) who he thought of as his sons.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 04, 2021 at 12:00 noon at Bethel Baptist Church with Revs. Jimmy Upton, Bubba Rose, and Jeremy Rose officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 12:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.