Joseph D. “Joe” Ray: Tabor City

1932 – 2025

     Joseph D. “Joe” Ray of Tabor City passed away on July 13 in Whiteville. He was 92.

     Born Nov. 23, 1932 in Columbus County, he was a son of the late Ken and Beaulah (Formyduval) Ray.

     Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. A native of Tabor City, there he raised a family and was the proprietor of the Village Barber Shop, the social heart of Tabor City for nearly 50 years.

     Joe loved Tabor City and was active in many organizations including the Lions Club (charter member) and Jaycees. He was a member of Tabor City Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and a Deacon for many years.

     Joe will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and his infallible memory, but most of all for his unwavering love for his family.

     Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lodosca “Dot” (Powell) Ray, his daughter, Penni Ray Stocks, and his daughter-in-law, Vicki Tippins Ray. He was also preceded in death by five brothers Kenneth Ray, Elderidge Ray, Faxon Ray, Fred Ray, Franklin Ray and one sister, Annette (Ray) Cartrette.

     Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph L. Ray (Karen) of Sunset Beach and Tracy P. Ray (Tracy B.) of Loris; grandchildren Alex Ray (Mikki) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Alston Ray of Portland, Oregon, Jaclyn, Bryant and Mckinley Ray of Loris, and Bri Hewett of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his brother, Wilbert Ray of Tabor City and numerous nieces and nephews.

     A Celebration of Life was planned for 1 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in Tabor City Baptist Church, with a private family graveside service at Myrtle Green Cemetery.

     Visitation was planned for the hour preceding the service in the church sanctuary.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Life Care Center Angel House, 206 Warrior Trail Rd. Whiteville, NC 28472, or here.

     Sign a guest register here.