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James Edward Ray

About

Florida State University

FUNERAL HOME

Parks Funeral Home - Summerville

130 W. 1st North St.

Summerville, South Carolina

James Ray Obituary

James Edward Ray SUMMERVILLE - James Edward Ray, 67, of Summerville, SC, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2015, at his residence. Funeral Services will be held at Parks Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2015, at 2 o'clock. Burial will be held at Dorchester Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at Parks Funeral Home from 6 to 8 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 17, c/o Carl Nielson, 104 Back Tee Circle, Summerville, SC 29485. James was born December 28, 1947, in Glasgow, KY, a son of the late Clifton Ray and Agnes Taylor Ray. He grew up in FL, graduating from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville. He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam, who served with the Recon Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Div. until he was wounded in Que Son, Vietnam, during the Tet Offensive. After partially recovering from his wounds, he was assigned to HHC 4thInfantry Div. for the duration of his overseas tour. He earned the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal for Valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge among other medals and decorations. After his overseas tour, he was transferred to the 24th Infantry Div. in Fort Riley, KS, where he participated in the first Reforger Exercise to Germany. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and worked in both the private sector and the Federal government. He was a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). In Charleston, SC, he worked with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and the Department of State, where he retired in 2007. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans where he held officer and volunteer positions, including van driver and service officer at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He volunteered as a Master Gardner and AARP tax preparer and was a member of Toastmasters for many years. James is survived by two children, Andrew Ray (Stacy) of Versailles, KY, Amanda Ray (Robert Gregor) of Summerville; five grandchildren, Hannah Ray, Samantha and Ethan Gregor, Jameson and Andrea Ray; brother, Charles Ray of Pensacola, FL; sister, Sandra Watkins of Gainesville, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Ray. Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 West 1st North St., Summerville, SC 29483. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from May 10 to May 12, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ray

16 Entries

David Thompson

May 4, 2024

Andrew and Amanda, I think of your dad often, remembering what a wonderful person and good friend he was.

Aunt Alice Ray

May 16, 2015

Many relatives live in Tn.& Ky.JAMES WAS PRESENT AT MANY SPECIAL OCCASIONS INCLUDING FAMILY REUNIONS, WEDDINGS, FUNERALS ETC. Even though we were many miles apart, he acknowlodged the need for family care and support. He was loved by all and will be missed by all,

Diane Aldrich

May 14, 2015

To my sister-in-law, Sandra Watkins, and the rest of the Ray Family my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

David Thompson

May 13, 2015

Andrew and Amanda,
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
I do not know if you remember me, but I worked with your dad in Raleigh NC. We often visited your family when we lived in Raleigh. James and I have kept in touch and talked by phone often. A year or more ago, James actually visited me here in Fancy Farm KY.
I have always felt close to your dad and have been a long time friend. He was such a gentle giant, a truly wonderful man.
I know that no words can relieve your grief now. Just know that my prayers will be with you in the days ahead.

May 13, 2015

I worked with James at DFAS and the State
Department. I enjoyed working with him. He will be missed. Sheldon "Abe" Abrams

Gordon Perry

May 13, 2015

I really got to know James well through Toastmasters at work. He was a strong leader and encourager and established our local chapter. It wouldn't have happened without him. From James, I learned much about public speaking. He cheerfully and generously shared his knowledge, time and rich life experiences and was truly loved by all. He will be greatly missed. Gordon Perry

Cleo Johnson

May 13, 2015

Amanda and Andrew, So sorry that we have lost James, He was a wonderful Nephew, such a loving and caring person, He sure will be missed. I loved him very much.

Maggie and Ronnie Benton

May 13, 2015

Ronnie and I will carry the memory of James with us forever... He was a wonderful co-worker, but, most of all, he was a wonderful friend.

Jo Ann Bogert

May 13, 2015

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I worked with James at the Department of State and found that he was a joy to work with. He will be missed.

Bob Eldridge

May 12, 2015

We will miss James, A Great Comrade and fellow DAV member

Melissa ( medder ) kniphfer

May 12, 2015

To the ray family sorry to hear of your loss James was a loving caring person I know this from him dating my sister sandy and my mother and I loved to see him when we would come over to summerville to visit sandy he was definitely a sweet and loving guy and he will definitely be missed by many

Sandy Nooning

May 12, 2015

Andrew, Amanda and family, my heart aches for you during this time of loss. Your dad was a wonderful man and I know how much he loved all of you. All of you are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Greg Pearson

May 12, 2015

Andrew, Amanda and family,
May the Holy Spirit comfort and heal you.
With deepest sympathy,

Dan Watson

May 11, 2015

We miss you James. Our Love, Deb and Dan

S. Washington

May 11, 2015

Sorry for your loss..May the GOD of all comfort be with the family at this time of sorrow.

Amanda Ray

May 11, 2015

I will always miss you Dad!