Mr. James Graham Ray, age 85, of Honaker, Virginia, passed away Monday (June 7, 2021) in Chilhowie, Virginia. Born September 10, 1935 in Swords Creek, Virginia, he was a son of the late Ernest Graham and Gladys Elizabeth Rhea Ray. A lifelong resident of the area, he was of the Baptist faith. He was a disabled coal miner and enjoyed working on engines and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Fonnie Presley Ray, one great-granddaughter, Madeline Rae Thomas, and three sisters, Helen Ray, Ethel Mae Deel, and Beulah Dingess. In his generation, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Rasnake and husband, Ronnie, and Linda Wilson and husband, Ronnie; one son, Ernie Ray and wife, Patricia all of Honaker; granddaughters, Jessica Thomas and husband, Michael, Sarah Ray and Andy Kassay, and Destiny Wilson and Tristan Shinkle; grandsons, James (Jamey) Perkins and Terri; Joseph Ray and wife, Kasey, Christopher Ray and wife, Lindsey, Jonathan Ray and Rhiannon, and Brandon Rasnake and Samantha Street; great-grandchildren, Madison Thomas, Madison Ray, Kaylee Ray, Lorelai Ray, Paisley Ray, Austin Thomas, Walker Perkins, Gabriel Perkins, Landon Ray, Lucas Ray, Hudson Ray, Zachary Ray, Brantley Ray, and Colton Ray.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday in Russell Memorial Cemetery at Lebanon, Virginia with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson officiating. Interment will follow. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 PM to go in procession.
Pallbearers will be Walker Perkins, Gabriel Perkins, John Ray, Chris Ray, Joe Ray, Austin Thomas, Michael Thomas, and Brandon Rasnake.