John ‘Perry’ Ray

John ‘Perry’ Ray, age 89, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2023, at home surrounded by his family, following a long battle with dementia.  He was born in Cumming, GA on November 11, 1933 to Charlie and Roberta Ray.  He was raised in Forsyth County with his two brothers and four sisters.  He was predeceased by his parents, his six siblings, and by his son-in-law Todd Stalder. 

He leaves behind a large, loving family that he cherished and led with a strong Christian faith, humor, and humility.  Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years, Stella Jameson Ray, and their daughters, ‘The Ray Girls’ and sons-in-law: Lynne and Freddie Castleberry, Charlley Ray Stalder, and Cindy and Ronnie McCormick; Grandchildren: Casey Castleberry Cabral (Rudy), Jonathan Stalder (Leslie), Destin McCormick (Holly), Ashley Stalder Brooks (Andrew), Carrie Castleberry Martin (Daniel), and Megan McCormick Barton (Adam); and the joy of his life, his eleven great-grandchildren: Brooke McCormick, Eli McCormick, Perry Ann Brooks, Drew Brooks, Wyatt Barton, Tatum Martin, Caroline Stalder, Dean Cabral, Reid Martin, Walker Martin, and Davis Stalder. Grandpa loved and enjoyed time with his large extended family.  Nothing brought him more joy than having a home filled with family and friends and sitting on his front porch to enjoy the laughter and fellowship.  

Following graduation from Cumming High School in 1951, he joined the United States Army.  He was a proud veteran and later served as an Honor Guard member for the Veterans Alliance in Forsyth County.  He had a long, distinguished career with Sears Roebuck and Co.  Following his retirement from Sears, he and Stella enjoyed traveling with friends.  He enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, and any trip to the mountains. 

Perry was a life-long member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and served as a deacon from age 26 until recent years when his health prevented him from being able to serve.  He loved leading music and singing from the Church Hymnal.  He enjoyed listening to gospel and blue grass music.  

He leaves behind a legacy of being a true Southern gentleman, who served God, loved his family, and found joy in the simple things in life. He saw the good in others and would always help a friend, neighbor, or a stranger in need.  He will be greatly missed but his family is rejoicing that he has been completely healed and is at peace in his eternal heavenly home where we will see him again one day.  

The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who has prayed for him and visited him throughout his extended illness, and to Agape Hospice for their compassion and care and to his caregiver Sarah.  We have been blessed by your goodness.  

Flowers are appreciated or in honor and recognition of his willingness and desire to help others, donations may be made to the Hightower Food and Clothing Bank, 8630 Wallace Tatum Road, Cumming, GA. 30028.  Online donations accepted at https://www.hbafoodbank.org.  

The family will hold visitation at Ingram’s Funeral Home in Cumming, GA on Saturday, March 18 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm and on Sunday, March 19 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Funeral services will be in the Chapel at Ingram’s Funeral Home at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 19.  Interment will follow at SawneeView Gardens.  Ingram’s Funeral Home is located at 210 Ingram Avenue, Cumming, GA 30040.