Rev. James Darrell Ray, age 72, of Lebanon, Virginia, formerly of Buchanan County, Virginia, passed away Thursday (August 6, 2020) in a Lebanon, Virginia hospital. Born July 30, 1948 in Buchanan County, Virginia, he was a son of the late Clarence and Martha Barton Ray. He had spent most of his life in the area and had received his Bachelors’ of Theology Degree from Duke University. A devoted Christian, he had served in the ministry as a pastor and minister for many years and was a member of Rich Valley United Methodist Church. He enjoyed preaching, singing, birdwatching, gardening, but most of all spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Evelyn Runyon Ray, one brother, Sonny Ray, and three sisters, Lorene Rasnake, Zada Breeding, and Elaine Phillips.
Survivors include five children, Missy Vandyke and husband, Jackie of Oakwood, Rodney Ray and wife, Glendeen of Hansonville, James Ray and wife, Collis of Asheboro, North Carolina, Marlene Ratliff and husband, Mike of Rosedale, and Jackie Ray of Lebanon; nine grandchildren, Adam Ray and wife, Kate of Radford, Jerkia Yates and husband, Benny of Cedar Bluff, Cody Ray and fiancée, Rebekah Allred, Bailey Ray, and Addison Ray all of Asheboro, Chassidy Ray and Jacklyn Ray both of Hansonville, and Ethan Ratliff and Owen Ratliff of Rosedale; great-granddaughter, Jayleigh Yates of Cedar Bluff; one brother, Lester “Leck” Ray and wife, Dreama of Davenport; several nieces and nephews also survive.
The family would like to extend a special thank you Dr. Michael Uhlrich, and the nurses and staff of Russell County Hospital for the loving care that they provided.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday in the Honaker Funeral Home in Honaker, Virginia with Rev. J.C. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon, Virginia with Rev. Arnold King officiating.
Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at the Honaker Funeral Home on Sunday from 11 – 2 PM.
Online condolences may be made at www.honakerfuneralhome.net.