James Ray "J. Ray" Hunter

James Ray "J. Ray" Hunter, 83, of Sanford, born November 16, 1924 died peacefully Saturday, November 8, 2008 surrounded by his family at Wake Medical Center. Mr. Hunter was a WWII Veteran of the U.S. Navy having served upon a destroyer in the Atlantic and Pacific. His ship, the USS Southerland was the first U.S. Warship to enter and anchor in Tokyo Bay on August 28, 1945 where he witnessed the signing of the Surrender Document on the USS Missouri.
J. Ray founded Hunter Oil Company May 1, 1955 and served as CEO until January 1, 1990 when he retired from the oil business and became an IRS enrolled agent. He worked as a tax professional for 14 years until retiring at age 80. Mr. Hunter was a leader in both his church and community. He was a Charter Member of Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church and served as moderator for the Church's first 25 years. He served for two years as President of the Eastern NC Association of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. He was a Life Member of the Sanford Kiwanis Club having joined and actively contributed since 1955. He served in various functions in Kiwanis including District Governor of the Carolinas District and two years as chairman of the Kiwanis International Committee on "Support of Spiritual Aims." He served as President of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a life member of the VFW, a member of the Seven Seas Club and Carolina Blue Squadron of the ANA. He was a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls Homes of NC and served on various corporate boards.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Reaves and Ethel Harrington Berryman. Hunter Brothers Stanford Reaves Hunter, Lewis Clemmons "Clem" Hunter, Rufus Harold Hunter, and Ralph Berryman Hunter, and Sisters Elva Mae Hunter Kennedy, Bancy Omega Hunter Uzzell and Hilda Naomi Hunter Hunter.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Juanita Stevens Hunter. He is also survived by his brother Jack Manly Hunter and wife Wilma, and a sister Linda Hunter Draughn all of Sanford. He was the loving uncle and great-uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He was the cherished and beloved "PAPA" to Matthew Kurysh Brannon, wife Amber and son Billy, Mason Campbell Brannon and Katharine Juanita Brannon. He is also survived by George M. Brannon who he loved as a son and his wife Deborah as well as numerous other young men and women that he mentored.
The funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday November 11, 2008 at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 1089 Wilkins Dr., Sanford NC. Burial will follow at Buffalo Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2008 at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home, Sanford, NC (919) 775-3535.
The family would like to thank all of J Ray's caregivers this past year with a special thanks to Butch Jones.
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Sanford and the Wednesday morning Men's Prayer Breakfast Group are asked to serve as Honorary Pallbearers and should meet at the Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Online condolences may be made at www.rogerspickard.com
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, 1089 Wilkins Dr., Sanford, NC 27330 or to the Charity of One's Choice.
Arrangements are by Rogers- Pickard Funeral Home.