Willard Lindberg Ray

Willard Lindberg Ray, 98, passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2026. Lindberg was born on December 20, 1927, in Franklin County to the late John Daniel Ray and Bessie Pearce Ray. He retired from Universal Furniture Company in Wendell as a Supervisor, with 40 years of service. Lindberg was a member of Hopkins Chapel Baptist for over 75 years. His love of singing in the church choir and quartets inspired many people over the years.

He is survived by his son, Larry Ray; granddaughters: Autumn Ray Harris (Jamie), Ashley Ray Wood (Sam); great-grandchildren: Sawyer Harris, Thatcher Harris, Jake Harris, Jeremy Wood, and Camryn Wood; niece, Edna Earl Nauss; and nephews: Kelton Ray and Ricky Ray.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Lou Blackley Ray; and his siblings: Shirley R. Tessinear, Earl Ray, Everette Ray, Alvin Ray, Waitsel Ray, and Aretas Ray.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church, 4525 Hopkins Chapel Road, Zebulon. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 am, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Hopkins Chapel Baptist Church.