James Oscar Ray Jr.

James Oscar Ray, Jr. passed away Friday, October 24, 2025, at Stonehinge Assisted Living in Blairsville at the age of 89. He was born in Cordele and was the son of the late James Oscar Ray, Sr. and Mary Ruth Cobb Ray. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years in 2018, Dorothy Ray; a son, Steve Ray; and a half-brother and half-sister. A veteran of the United States Navy, James spent a huge part of his life serving his country as an Avionics Tech and retired after 27 years. He also worked at 3rd Army as a civilian for 14 years. As a younger man he tried to give back to his community such as coaching Little League. He also helped to organize a group of young boys in his church for the Royal Ambassadors (RA's). He was an active member of Pinecrest Baptist Church while living in Cordele. He enjoyed the outdoors, working in the yard and fishing. His passion in life though was having something to be busy at and helping others, little things that he called projects. It may have been working on the sea wall, or repairing the dock, or maybe helping his neighbors with jobs they needed done. He also loved Georgia Tech football. He is survived by a son and his wife, Scott and Mary Ray of Suches; a daughter-in-law, Catherine Ray of Roswell; six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, in the chapel of Rainey Family Funeral Services with burial following in Sunnyside Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.