Jimmy Ray

Jimmy Ray, a beloved native of the Stony Hill and Rock Cliff Farm area, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025 with his wife by his side. Born to David Herod Ray and Ruby Williams Ray, Jimmy was a 1968 graduate of Wake Forest High School.
Shortly after graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1971. A Green Beret and Demolition Expert, he was stationed in Panama for 13 months. Upon completing his military service, Jimmy pursued further education at NC State University, Wake Tech, and Louisburg College.
Jimmy's entrepreneurial spirit led him into the restaurant business. He managed five Peppi's Pizza Dens before opening his own restaurants, The Fountain of 1888 in Wake Forest, JR's Seafood in Wake Forest, and later, The Fountain of 1863 in Louisburg. The Fountain of 1888 in particular, became a local favorite and community gathering place.
A dedicated civic leader, Jimmy was a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Wake Forest, served as President of the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, and hosted the town's first Business After Hours event at The Fountain of 1888. He served as Mayor of Wake Forest from 1987 to 1991, during which time he helped establish the Wake Forest Cultural Arts Association. In 1988, he also served as President of the Wake County Mayor's Association. Additionally, he was a board member of the BW Wells Association and a member of Wake Forest Baptist Church. Later in life, Jimmy joined his beloved wife, Alice, in real estate. Together, they co-owned RE/MAX Hometown, continuing their shared passion for serving their community.
Jimmy had a deep love for sports and spent many years sponsoring youth and adult baseball and softball teams throughout the 1980s. Whether as a player, umpire, or coach, he found joy and purpose on the ballfields. He also cherished golf outings with friends and beach trips with his family.
Jimmy will be remembered for his warm smile, unwavering generosity, sharp sense of humor, and deep compassion. Above all, he was a family man. He deeply adored his wife. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. His love, guidance, and presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David Herod and Ruby Ray; his godparents, B.W. and Maude Wells; siblings David Ray, Harvey Ray, Wayne Ray, and Katherine Davis.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Alice Lowery Ray; his children Kevin Ray (Susan), Sherry Hogarth (Rob), and Tripp Ray (Melanie); sister, Judy Goodwin; his grandchildren Cason Ray (CarolAnn), Dylan Stein, Caitlin Palmer, Cayleigh Ray, Maika Hogarth, Savannah Thompson, Connor Thompson, and Tristan Ray; and great-grandchildren Cashel Palmer and Kinsley Ray.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the BW Wells Association at PO Box 1901 Wake Forest, NC 27588 or www.bwwells.org.
A memorial service will be held at Bright Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, with a visitation following the service.
The family invites those unable to attend to view the service via livestream: Jimmy Ray Memorial Service
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Ray family.