Jerome Allen Ray

Jerome Allen Ray

June 4, 1946 – November 10, 2014

Jerome “Jerry” A. Ray, 68, of Wilson passed away Monday.  A graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday in Maplewood Cemetery.  The Rev. David E. Burchett will officiate.   The family will receive friends immediately following the service at his residence.   Jerry was born in Nash County to the late Genatus Leland Ray and Frances Bissette Ray Owens.  He served his country with honor, faith and pride with the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served two tours during the Vietnam War.  After thirty-one years of dedicated service he retired from the Norfolk Southern Railroad.   Jerry will be greatly missed and thought of often.   Jerry is survived by his daughters, Ann-Catherine Owens of Wilson and Tammy Walston of Goldsboro; his sons, Tim Ballance and wife, Jennifer of Wilson, Jason Ray and wife, Alexis of Lucama and David Walston and wife, Louise of Wilmington; his grandchildren, Matthew Ballance, Garrett Walston, Chase Ray, Blake Walston, Kamdon Owens and David Bass; his sister, Audrey R. Miller and husband, Paul of Nashville; his nieces, Joanna M. Burchett and husband,  Rev. David of Gainesville, Georgia and Paula M. Peek of Waverly, Alabama; his nephew, Erik Nielson and wife, Stephanie of Waterville, Maine and his great-nieces, Kaitlin Burchett, Kasey Burchett and Kylie Nielson.   He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ellen Simmons Ray; his sister, Glenda R. Nielson; his grandparents, Purvis and Lallar Bissette; his step-father, Joseph L. Owens and his brother-in-law, Dr. I Cliffton Nielson.   Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. C.A. Thompson, 1207 Peachtree Road, Wilson, NC  27896 or to a charity of one’s choice.   Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.