Sammy Ray

Waynesville, Sammy Thad Ray, age 64, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at Mission Hospital-Memorial Campus. A native of McDowell County, he was the son of the late Sam and Nancy Sherrill Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Audrey Gillespie. Sam was a United States Army Veteran and fought valiantly in the Vietnam War receiving a Purple Heart for his heroic acts. For relaxation, Sam loved fishing the many creeks and streams in the mountains. He was a member of the VFW Post 5202 of Waynesville. He is survived by a daughter, Molly Carver and her husband, Steve, a son, Sammy Ray Jr., all of Waynesville; four sisters, Violet Vopp and Barbara Smallwood of Anderson, SC, Christine Gordon and Mida Hull of Marion, NC; three brothers, Walter Ray of Roanoke, VA, Bill Ray of Waynesville and Phillip Ray of Marion, NC; four grandchildren, Jarette and Jessica Smith, Katlyn and Kristin Ray; and Nora Greene friend and mother of his children. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 5202, 216 Miller Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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