Search by Name

Search by Name

Claude E. Ray Jr.

Claude Ray Obituary

Elberton, GA - Claude Elbert Ray, Jr., 79, of Sherwood Drive, Elberton, husband of Marie Webb Ray, died Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at the Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Elbert County, he was a son of the late Claude Elbert Ray, Sr., and Eula Boswell Ray. He was owner/operator of Claude Ray Ford and a member of the Elberton First Baptist Church. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII serving with the Seabees.
He was a member of the Elberton Kiwanis, Elks, VFW and the Yaarab Shrine Temple. He was a member and pastmaster of the Elberton Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25.
Survivors include his wife, Marie Ray, of the home; two sons, Claude E. Ray, III of Athens and Tommy Ray of Elberton; grandson, Jason Ray, raised in the home; two sisters, Joanne Cobo and Linda Hawkins, both of Elberton; one brother, David Ray of Albany, GA; five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by twin sons, Doyle & Dennis Ray; daughter, Janet Ray; sisters Annette Gaines, Doris Hudson, Hazel Dean and Joyce Wilson; brothers, Henry Ray and Norman Ray.
Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon Friday, November 26th, at the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Fenlon and Rev. David McConnell officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Elberton.
Pallbearers will be George Worley, Bill Simmons, Mike Patton, Brian Wynn, David Ray and Kenneth Drake. Honorary pallbearers will be Employees of Claude Ray Ford Sales.
The family is at the home, 805 Sherwood Drive and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 10-12 AM Friday before the service.
Flowers are optional and memorials may be made to the Granite Center Shrine Club, 2825 Hartwell Highway, Elberton, GA 30635.
Berry Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Claude Elbert Ray, Jr.
Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.onlineathens.com.
Athens Banner-Herald, Friday, Nov. 26, 2004

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

Published by Athens Banner-Herald on Nov. 26, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Claude Ray

Not sure what to say?





George & Beth Harrison

November 27, 2004

Our sincere sympathy to the entire

family. Claude III & family were

neighbors on Jaudon Road for a while.

Patricia Fortson Maxey

November 27, 2004

Mr Claude was a wonderful person, always had something good to say about everyone. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him, God Bless his family. Hang in there.

From all the Fortson Family>>>>

(EDD-Rachel-Robert-Frei da as well)

Jimmie Walker

November 27, 2004

Claude was one of the finest men I ever met. He was my friend and he never led me wrong. Claude went out of his his way to help me many times. He was a gentleman. You didn't have to look for Claude. He could always be found at his business, busy.



The only thing we ever disagreeded on was price :)



I will miss him as will all. Just knowing he was there was a great comfort.

JAMES Jr & Frankie Echols

November 26, 2004

We wish to express our deepest sympathy.

James & Frankie Echols (Covington, Ga).

Ineata King

November 26, 2004

Mr. Claude was a friend and businessman to me. I could always put confidence in what he told me business wise. He will be greatly missed among fellow Elbertonians. I pray his family wil look to God for comfort and peace.

Jeff Ayers

November 26, 2004

Mr. Claude Ray was a man of highest integrity. He was an inspiration by his example of hard work, fairness and kindness to literally thousands of people he knew during his life. I knew Mr. Claude for over 20 years...and knew him well for almost as long. I was proud to call him my friend and will never forget him. The love he had for his family is unmatched. We will miss him but his legacy lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Joanne Arnold

November 26, 2004

Mr. Claude was one of the finest men I had ever met. He was always there with a friendly smile. The family will be in my thoughts on such a sad day.

Sam and Mary Cunningham

November 26, 2004

Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family. Claude was an institution in Elberton and his work, community spirit, and most of all his family, will be his lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Claude Ray's name

Memorial Events
for Claude Ray

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 Claude'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 Claude Ray'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