Theodore "Ted" Ray
Theodore "Ted" Leonard Ray
August 25, 1941 – September 29, 2024
Theodore "Ted" Leonard Ray, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, under the compassionate care of Gentiva Hospice during the final two weeks of his life. Born on August 25, 1941, in Galveston, Texas, Ted was the beloved son of Thomas Ryan Ray and Lucille Dorsalene Ray. He was preceded in death by his cherished siblings, Donald Alan Ray (surviving wife Susan Ray) and Janet Ray Bennett (Lionel Bennett), with whom he shared deep bonds throughout his life.
Ted was a devoted husband to Carolyn Sue Huffman Ray, whom he married on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1962. Their love story began in 1960 when they were introduced by Ted’s sister-in-law in St. Albans, West Virginia, sparking a 62-year marriage filled with love and faith. Together, they raised one son, Thomas Boyd Ray, who along with his children, and grandchildren, were a source of immense pride and joy for Ted.
Ted's professional journey was one of service and dedication. After graduating from Charleston Barber College, he worked as a barber before bravely serving his country as a Marine during the Vietnam Conflict. Ted was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and later built a career with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2000 after years of hard work.
A man of varied interests, Ted loved fishing and bowling and was an active member of a bowling league in Kanawha County, West Virginia. He also contributed to his community as a member of the Lion's Club in South Charleston, West Virginia, and was a dedicated attendee of Bible Center Church from 1980 until 2020, when he and Carolyn moved to Raleigh to be closer to their family.
Ted’s legacy was deeply rooted in his faith and his desire to share it with others. In his final days, he asked visitors about their relationship with Jesus Christ, passionately sharing the Good News of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. His testimony moved one visitor to share that message with her own family, a testament to Ted’s profound influence on those around him. He was known for his kind and hospitable spirit, his generosity, and his sense of humor. Ted embodied integrity, consistently giving thanks to God for the blessings in his life and always pointing others to Jesus Christ. One cherished memory that encapsulates how Ted would want to be remembered comes from his time at Bible Center Church, where he would hand out lifesaver candies to fellow church goers, saying, "Jesus is the real lifesaver."
Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his son, Thomas; grandsons Jeshua Ray (wife Semi Ray), Noah Ray (fiancé Danait Kindeya), granddaughter Chloe Ray Mateus (husband, Isaac Mateus) and grandson Andrew Ray; and great-grandchildren Jadon, Phoebe, and Malachi Ray. All were incredibly close to Ted and will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, located at 7600 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 1 PM, followed by the service at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Ted’s honor to Amazing Grace Adoptions and Orphan Care at agadoptions.org.
Ted’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, love, and kindness. His legacy will live on through his family, his community, and the countless lives he touched with his unwavering faith and generous heart.