William Ray Long Sr.

William Ray Long, Sr.

GREENVILLE - William Ray Long, Senior of Greenville, North Carolina died Wednesday 3th October 2018.

Ray was born April 7, 1934 in Hartsville, South Carolina, son of the late John William Long and Ethel Osborne Long.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary Caroline Lewis Long and their three children, Anna Caroline Long and wife Jean Tuller of Portland, Oregon; Holley Whitehurst Long of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, William Ray Long, Junior and wife Kaitlin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and granddaughter Emmy Kathryn Long.

Ray worked from June of 1961 to July of 1998 with BB&T, retiring as Executive Vice President and Manager of the Trust Division. He was engaged throughout his professional career as a leader in the industry having served as Chairman of the North Carolina Bankers Trust Division, Chairman of the Board of Regents of the American Bankers Association National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and in various capacities with the ABA Trust Division Executive Committee.

Ray received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1956 and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the UNC School of Law in 1959. He was active as a student leader and was cited for "Service above Self" by the Order of the Golden Fleece. He was also a member of the Dialectic Senate and Order of the Old Well. He served in the United States Army in Boston, Massachusetts from 1958 to 1960.

A committed Christian, Ray was always active in his church. He served in many roles including Senior Warden of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Wilson, North Carolina and in various capacities at the diocesan level including Treasurer of the Diocese and board member of the Penick Home in Southern Pines.

He is a founding member of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh. Upon his move to Farmville he became an affiliate member of the Farmville Presbyterian Church. He loved music all his life and was the organist for several churches including the All Saints Episcopal Chapel in Linville, North Carolina during his college summers.

Always active in civics, education, and the arts, Ray was a Rotarian for over 50 years, a Paul Harris Fellow, and President of the Wilson Rotary Club. He was Chairman of the Board of the Wilson County Housing Authority, and a Jaycee for 10 years. He was a past Member of the Board of the North Carolina Symphony Foundation. After serving in many roles on the Barton College Board of Trustees, he retired as Trustee Emeritus.

After retirement, Ray served on many volunteer boards and was an expert witness for several years. In his latter years, Ray was active in and enjoyed many associations including the Sandwich Club of Raleigh, a dialectic group, and the R.O.M.E.O.s (Retired Old Men Eating Out) of Farmville. He treasured his friends and the love of his extended family.

Memorial service will be held Friday, October 5, at 3:30 P.M. at the Farmville Presbyterian Church by Rev. Rocky Stone. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com.

As published in The Daily Reflector