Monty Ray Atwater

Monty "Ray" Atwater, 71, of Burlington passed away January 25, 2022 at ARMC/Cone Health after several years of failing health. Ray was saved at a young age. He loved God, his family and his music. He had wonderful God given vocals, he sang in church and with a church quartet.  Ray was a good musician enjoyed playing his guitar with The Night Riders Band for many years both publicly and privately, and the guys were also his long time friends, some since 5th grade. Other than playing and singing in front of a crowd, Rays favorite pass time was to play his keyboard at home, singing and writing songs until it all became impossible for him to do so. He taught himself to play instruments and always said he should have taken music lessons earlier in life.  Ray leaves behind his wife, Doris, of 47 years (although Ray would tell her it was 50 years), son: Gabriel and girlfriend Jennifer Strother, daughter: Bridget A. Odom (Kirk), sister: Brenda Durham, brother: Larry Gore (Linda) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be conducted by Pastor David Atwater on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 2:00pm at Antioch Baptist Church, Chapel Hill in the White Cross community.  Doris wishes to thank all who have reached out in several ways all with love and prayers. A special thank you to Ray's doctors and nurses at ARMC/Cone Health and to Advanced Home Health staff for taking good care of him and keeping him as comfortable as possible in Ray's latter days. May God Bless each and every one in a special way.