Dolphus Willard Ray Sr.

MEBANE, N.C. - Dolphus Willard Ray Sr., 83, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, June 26, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born April 28, 1930 in Orange County, N.C. He was a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Mebane, where he served as a Deacon and Usher in past years. Willard retired from White's Furniture Company in Mebane after 40 plus years and went on to complete 15 years of employment with Food Lion in Mebane. Willard was known for taking good care of his customers so much that, when they didn't have quite enough to pay their grocery bill, he would pull out his wallet and pay the difference. He was a very generous man when he knew of a need. He is survived by his wife of 62 years and three months, Hazel Madren Ray of the home; son, Dolphus Willard Ray Jr. and wife Brenda of Mebane; grandchildren, Michelle Ray Dorminy and husband Brett of Mebane and Selena Ray of Mebane; great-grandchildren, Dalton Dorminy and Hailey Dorminy of Mebane; brother, Walter Z. Ray Sr. and wife Betty of Mebane. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Gunner Ray Sr. and Nettie Sykes Ray; sisters, Lois Woods, Thelma Jones and Gaynelle Riley; brothers, Johnny Eugene Ray and Charlie G. Ray Jr. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Eastside Baptist Church in Mebane, conducted by Pastor Chuck Perkins. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane from 6 to 8 Friday night and at other times at the residence, 613 North Third Street, Mebane.