Julius Ray Adcox

Julius Ray Adcox, 71, of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023.
Ray was born on October 12, 1951, to the late Julius Currie Adcox and Johnette Moye Adcox in Vander, North Carolina. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Susan Haney Adcox; daughter, Lindsay Wellons and husband Jason of Wade, NC; grandchildren, Addison and Parker Wellons; sisters, Susie Phillips and husband Jack of Eastover, NC, and Kay Lovick and husband Cliff of Wade, NC; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Ray was no stranger to hard work and was raised to take pride in what he did and what he had. His work ethic was instilled in him at an early age, rising early every morning to help his daddy deliver milk for Sealtest Dairy.
This was just the beginning of Ray's lifetime of serving others. As soon as his age permitted Ray joined the Vander Fire Department as a Volunteer Firefighter while he attended Stedman High School, where he was a proud member of the graduating class of 1969.
While working at Rahm-Haus, Ray began a temporary position as a smoke chaser. This temporary position was the first that would lead to 33 years of service with the North Carolina Forest Service. After graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College, Ray was promoted to Forestation Ranger, and then to the position of District Ranger for Fayetteville. During his time as District Ranger, Ray completed his Basic Law Enforcement Training and was promoted to a Field Investigator in the Law Enforcement Unit. During his tenure as an Arson Investigator, he taught classes for the BLET program at FTCC, and in 2006 was promoted to Law Enforcement Chief, where he remained until he retired.
For many people retirement means the beginning of relaxing days, but Ray chose a different path and instead decided to go back to school, this time as the student. If you know Ray, then you know of his love for all things NC State. At the suggestion of his daughter he applied, and was accepted, and in 2013 he became not just a fan, but also an alumnus, when he graduated from his beloved North Carolina State University.
Throughout his life Ray was an active member in his community. He attended Sunnyside Presbyterian Church and Salem Methodist Church, where he served on the founding board for Salem Preschool. He was a member of the Fayetteville Cumberland County Jaycees, serving on the board for the Cumberland County Fair during the early 1990s. Ray was also a 30+ year member of the Stedman Masonic Lodge and was recently inducted as a Shriner. In appreciation for his years of service to North Carolina, in 2009 he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.
Ray loved NC State Wolfpack football, basketball, and baseball, he loved golf, he loved beach music, but there is nothing he loved more than his two grandchildren. He loved cheering them on from the stands or from the audience, just like he'd always done for his Lindsay Carol, and said his greatest title yet was being called "Papa".
The family will receive friends at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. with a service following in the Chapel at 6 p.m. with full Masonic rites.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ray's name to the Stedman Masonic Lodge.
Online condolences may be made athttp://www.jerniganwarren.com
Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301
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