James Douglas Goray

James D. Goray, 88, of Talladega, Alabama, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 19th, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. with Jack Washington officiating. His family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow directly after the ceremony at Hepzibah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Born on October 23rd, 1937, in Talladega, Alabama he was the youngest son of Thomas and Resser Goray.
From a young age, he was a living example of the values of hard work and honesty. He was determined, consistent and most of all, loyal. This defined his long and successful career. He was known for his integrity and dedication at whatever job earning the respect of his family, friends, coworkers and fellow church members.
He was preceded in death by parents Thomas and Resser Goray, brothers and sisters Robert Goray, Horace (Pete) Goray, Bill Goray, Thomas (Sonny) Goray and Mary Goray Hart. He leaves behind his baby sister Jo Ann Goray Liner.
While his professional accomplishments were many, His greatest joy was his family. He was the beloved husband of Jo Ann Pitts Goray for 69 years, and together they built a life centered on faith and unconditional love. He was a devoted father to Dennis Goray and wife Carolyn and a proud grandfather of Brittany, Lindsey, Coty and Nelson. He was also the Great Grandfather of Marleigh, Highland, Brigham, Maelyn, Coleman, Davis, Garrett, Kayden and Mason. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Maegan Michelle Goray and a great grandson Nelson Thomas Jr.
His generous, caring nature and warm embrace will be cherished forever by his loved ones, and the front porch conversations full of wisdom and opinions from a smarter generation will be carried in our hearts.
Brigham Mitchell, Chris Guinn, Tyler Smith, Tyler Lewis, Joey Liner, Randy Liner, and Nelson Thomas will serve as pallbearers.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org, by phone at 1-800-805-5856, or by mail at 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.
Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.