Search by Name

Search by Name

Ray Stephenson Obituary

Ray Edward Stephenson, Sr.
September 8, 1950 - January 17, 2012
Angier
Ray Stephenson, Sr., 61, passed away Tuesday. A native of Johnston County, he was the son of the late Norman and Thelma Woodall Stephenson. Ray was the owner and operator of Ray's Hair Shop in Raleigh and cut hair for over 40 years. He love spending time with his family and lake friends.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 20, 2012, at 10:30 am in the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home Chapel, Angier. Burial will follow at Grimes Family Cemetery.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Connie Ross Stephenson; sons, Kevin Ray Stephenson and wife, Deborah, of Tampa, FL, and Ray Edward Stephenson, Jr. and wife, Alex, of Angier; grandchildren, Stella, Oliver, Hayden, Kaitlyn, and Logan; brother, Gerald Stephenson; and sister, Mary Ann Barefoot.
The family will receive friends Thursday, January 19, 2012, from 6-8:00pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier.
Condolences may be made to www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Jan. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Stephenson

Not sure what to say?





Joel Sugarman

February 13, 2012

Condolences to Ray Jr. and the whole Stephenson family on your loss. I'm glad I got to meet Ray Sr. and to play at his 60th birthday party. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

January 30, 2012

Connie and family, I am sorry for your loss. Ray always had a smile and a wave for me when i would pass the barber shop. Thanks Ray and son for taking the time to be kind. Blessings to your family.
Sincerely, Stephanie Powell

vikki grady

January 20, 2012

Although I did not know you ....I know losing you is a big loss for your wife and family..I am praying God will fill this void in their lives at HIs own time and you all will be reunited one day...Eternity is forever....and forever in Heaven is what its all about...God Bless this family...vikki Grady.....(Sheila's Friend)

January 20, 2012

My first memory of Ray was around the age of 8... I watched as he cut my Daddy's hair. For the next thirty years 'Going to see Ray' was my Dad's Friday appointment every other week!!! Im pretty sure it was the highlight of his week everytime!! My love and prayers to Each of you.

David Worsley

January 19, 2012

Connie and Family. I am so sad to learn of Ray's death. Ray cut my hair for over twenty years. I thought so much of him that for the last nine years I drove from Wilmington ever three weeks for him to cut my hair. We had great talks about our families. Thanks to you and Ray for allowing me to be your insurance agent until I retired nine years ago. God Bless you and your family. I will surely miss Ray.

Chip Warren

January 19, 2012

Ray was my friend for over thirty years. He was always positive, upbeat, humble and full of common sense. He was a constant in my life. No matter how overwhelmed I was, Ray's words helped me cope with the cards I was dealt. I will forever miss his friendship and wisdom. May God bless and watch over his family and friends.

Steve Madden

January 19, 2012

It does seem the good die young. I was a client of Ray's for well over 15 years and through our monthly conversations felt I knew his family, Connie, Kevin and Ray Jr. We had a lot in common to discuss, some made us laugh while other conversations were serious. Ray was excellent at his profession. I am deeply sadden at his passing and my heart goes out to the family he loved.

Luis Apellaniz

January 19, 2012

I've been going to this hair shop for several years now. It's the best place in Raleigh. Ray Jr is the one who fixes me up. My condolences to him and his family. Hopefully the shop will remain open.

Dee Carter

January 19, 2012

Ray has been a long time friend of mine. I have kept his books and records for the Hair Shop for many years. I will miss his smile and the many talks we had about his family and business. He loved his family and had many friends who will miss him greatly. My condolences to the family and hugs to Connie and kids. Dee Carter

January 19, 2012

Condolences to Connie and family.

Carol Dew (Garrison)

Celia Wilson

January 19, 2012

Papa Ray will be truely missed by all. I will always remember his smmiling eyes. My condolenes to the family. Hugs to you Connie

Harvey Schmitt

January 18, 2012

I think I speak for all of Ray's clients when I say we all miss his friendship. It is amazing the bond that builds over years of conversations about everything from weather to politics to family. Visits to Ray were always filled with updates on a life lived fully. My condolences to Connie, Kevin, Little Ray and the family.

Joey Martin

January 18, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We shared the same date of birth, September 8th. I will always remember the times we got to be together during a haircut. I will always cherish the times he was willing to share his thoughts and opinions with me. He had such a great sense of humor and a laugh I will always remember.
My sympathies are extended to the family during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Paul and Judy McIntosh

January 18, 2012

Paul and I spent just about every weekend with Ray and Connie for many years. We were like family. Ray was always a postive person and full of fun. The lake and PJ'S will never be the same without Ray. We love you Ray and we will be here for Connie

Jerry Perry

January 18, 2012

Ray was my barber for many years. I work for Progress Energy and he kept me up to date with the latest. I always enjoyed talking with Ray. He will surely be missed.

Jim Nowell

January 18, 2012

What a great guy. Ray was my barber for a long time. I always enjoyed talking with him about family, the lake, NASCAR, you name it. He and I shared the same birthday, Sept. 8, 1950 - so we could always remember each others age. I will hoist a Dickel in your honor, my friend. RIP.

January 18, 2012

John and I have known Ray and Connie for 10+ years, and what a great couple and friends they have been!! Our Lake friends have shared so many good times together, birthdays, Holidays, vacations, and mostly, just every weekend. I feel we are all blessed to have had Ray in our lives. We'll miss you Ray and that sweet smile!
John and Sheila Stancil (Lake Royale, NC)

John Kelly

January 18, 2012

Heaven just added a terrific barber. My condolences to his surviving family members, whom he so dearly loved.

Denise Ennis

January 18, 2012

Ray was a wonderful person! He gave me my first big job break out of high school....I was his receptionist at Courtside Hair Designs. He also helped me get my first car loan while I worked there.....something not just everyone would do. He was a very kind and loving man. Ray will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all of thoses whos lives he touched.

David & Dayl Williams

January 18, 2012

A wonderful wonderful man we will miss you greatly,lots of good memories we will have forever!!

Gil and pam Faison

January 18, 2012

Heaven is lucky to have you looking down upon us . I will never forget you as a great friend . I will have you in my heart and prayers always . I will know you are with us every day and every weekend we will know you are with us dont worry about connie we will be there for her. Your friends forever gil and pam

Helen and Anthony Hairr

January 18, 2012

The neighborhood will never be the same. We saw the sign last night when we cam in from work and were sadden to know that Ray had passed. He always had a smile and a wave whenever you saw him. He will be missed by so many.

Vince F

January 18, 2012

Always had a smile and a great story to tell- Thanks Ray!

Seth Sturdevant

January 18, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with Ray when I was 13. I was a troublemaker, and Ray and my Mother thought it would be a good idea if I worked in his shop cleaning. One time, he allowed me to come out to the ranch and teach me some hard work. I will never forget the life lessons and time we spent together. He will be missed.

Oliver Barbour

January 18, 2012

I always enjoyed my turn in your chair at the barber shop. It was never dull catching up on the last months events, talking about your children and grandchildren, and through the 30 years of cutting my dads hair. My dad has always said "No one could cut it like Ray". A haircut will never be the same without you behind the chair. Thanks Mr Ray Oliver and Tommy Barbour (Willow Springs, NC)

Chris & Bennie Franklin

January 18, 2012

You were truly one of a kind Ray. You will be greatly missed, a real true friend to all.

Bobby Dowgiallo

January 18, 2012

Im gonna miss you Ray Sr, you were a great man.

Travis and Priscilla Weaver

January 18, 2012

You were such a special man loved by so many. We will miss you but our memories of you will live on forever.

Chuck, Aimee & Romeo Sharrett

January 18, 2012

Heaven got a great person when you got there Ray, you are gonna be so missed. You were the first face to greet us when we came to the lake, we sure will miss seeing that smile and wave. Until we meet again, we'll hold down the loop.......

Joanne Watson

January 18, 2012

Connie, I am so sorry to hear about Ray. I can remember back in the early days when you and Ray were dating and got married. Must have been a match made from heaven because ya'll definitely were made for each other. Just know he will always be with you and would want you to be happy. You will see him daily in the little things. Praying for your strength and Ray's love to get you through this tough time. A friend always, Joanne.

Tom and Robin Donnelly

January 18, 2012

You will be missed dear sweet Ray. You have been a great friend to the Donnelly's. You taught Tom how to cook a great grilled chicken. We love you.

Kevin Stephenson

January 18, 2012

A wonderful father

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Ray Stephenson's name

Memorial Events
for Ray Stephenson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ray's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ray Stephenson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more