Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
DeathMay 5, 2026, Davidson County, North Carolina [50865]
BurialFriedens Lutheran Church, 6001 NC Highway 61 North, Gibsonville, North Carolina [50865]
Flags SS-Reunion Info, US Army, Vietnam
FatherThomas Leo RAY (1922-2002)
MotherEmily Lucille SURLES (1923-2018)
Spouses
Obituary Online notes for Bobby Gerald RAY
Bobby Gerald Ray
December 17, 1940 — May 5, 2026
Denton
Bobby Gerald Ray, 85, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at Hospice of Davidson County. Born on December 17, 1940, Bobby was the son of the late Thomas “Leo” and Lucille Ray.
Bobby proudly served his nation in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist E-5. During his military service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
Bobby remained extremely patriotic throughout his life and carried a deep love and respect for his country. Following his military service, Bobby built a successful career as a technician before becoming co-owner and operator of Air Balance Corporation in Greensboro, NC. Known for his incredible work ethic and sharp sense of humor, Bobby was gifted with the ability to work on and fix almost anything. He especially enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors and often used his God-given talents to help neighbors, friends, and members of his community.
Bobby also faithfully served his community as Fire Commissioner for Fire District 28 in Guilford County. He raised his family in Gibsonville, NC, where they attended and served Friedens Lutheran Church.
In his later years, some of Bobby’s greatest joys were sitting on his front porch smoking his pipe with his wife, Lib, and beloved dog, Buddy. He enjoyed watching others work and “supervising” from his scooter when he could no longer physically join in himself — something those who knew him well will fondly remember.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Craven Ray of Denton, NC; sons, Gary Ray (Tyra) of Burlington, NC, and Brandon Ray (Toni) of Leland, NC; grandchildren, Jacob Ray (Leslee) of Stanley, NC, Dylan Crusan (Jacey) of Berrien Springs, MI, Samantha Ray of Pinehurst, NC, and Peyton Ray of Leland, NC. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Arlawen Crusan, Miles Ray, Eliza Ray, and Haven Crusan. He is also survived by a multitude of extended family members and dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas “Leo” and Lucille Ray, his wife of 43 years, Clara Ray, and many cherished family members and loved ones who went before him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM until 2:30PM at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory in Burlington, NC.
A graveside ceremony will follow at 3:00PM at Friedens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Gibsonville, NC. Military honors will be rendered by the US Army honor guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Davidson County or the Wounded Warrior Project.
His legacy of hard work, service, humor, and love for family will live on in all who knew him.
https://www.lowefuneralhome.com/obituaries/bobby-ray [50865]
December 17, 1940 — May 5, 2026
Denton
Bobby Gerald Ray, 85, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at Hospice of Davidson County. Born on December 17, 1940, Bobby was the son of the late Thomas “Leo” and Lucille Ray.
Bobby proudly served his nation in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist E-5. During his military service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
Bobby remained extremely patriotic throughout his life and carried a deep love and respect for his country. Following his military service, Bobby built a successful career as a technician before becoming co-owner and operator of Air Balance Corporation in Greensboro, NC. Known for his incredible work ethic and sharp sense of humor, Bobby was gifted with the ability to work on and fix almost anything. He especially enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors and often used his God-given talents to help neighbors, friends, and members of his community.
Bobby also faithfully served his community as Fire Commissioner for Fire District 28 in Guilford County. He raised his family in Gibsonville, NC, where they attended and served Friedens Lutheran Church.
In his later years, some of Bobby’s greatest joys were sitting on his front porch smoking his pipe with his wife, Lib, and beloved dog, Buddy. He enjoyed watching others work and “supervising” from his scooter when he could no longer physically join in himself — something those who knew him well will fondly remember.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Craven Ray of Denton, NC; sons, Gary Ray (Tyra) of Burlington, NC, and Brandon Ray (Toni) of Leland, NC; grandchildren, Jacob Ray (Leslee) of Stanley, NC, Dylan Crusan (Jacey) of Berrien Springs, MI, Samantha Ray of Pinehurst, NC, and Peyton Ray of Leland, NC. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Arlawen Crusan, Miles Ray, Eliza Ray, and Haven Crusan. He is also survived by a multitude of extended family members and dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas “Leo” and Lucille Ray, his wife of 43 years, Clara Ray, and many cherished family members and loved ones who went before him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM until 2:30PM at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory in Burlington, NC.
A graveside ceremony will follow at 3:00PM at Friedens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Gibsonville, NC. Military honors will be rendered by the US Army honor guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Davidson County or the Wounded Warrior Project.
His legacy of hard work, service, humor, and love for family will live on in all who knew him.
https://www.lowefuneralhome.com/obituaries/bobby-ray [50865]
Obituary Online notes for Clara Mae (Spouse 1)
GIBSONVILLE Mrs. Clara Mae Guthrie Ray, 63 of 6765 Frieden Church Road, went home to be with her Lord, on Tuesday, June 15, 2004, at the Hospice Home.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Friedens Lutheran Church by the Rev. Kristina Johnson and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
She was a native of Altavista, Va., and the daughter of the late Frank Edward and Minnie Nichols Guthrie. She was the wife of Bobby G. Ray, who survives, for over 44 years.
Clara was employed for over 27 years with AT & T (Guilford Center) and after retirement, worked on a part time basis with Lab Corp. Clara was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, where she performed as "Buttons" the clown. She was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, where she served as a member of The Church Council. She also served on the Senior Activity Committee and was an Advisor to the Youth. In the past years she worked with Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School.
Clara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. During the past several years as she battled cancer, her smile gave testimony to her faith and trust in God. She had many talents including flower arranging, which she shared during the holiday seasons with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Tyra Ray of Gibsonville and Brandon and Toni Ray of Summerfield; grandchildren, Jacob Ray, Dylan Crusan and Samantha Ray; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rachel G. and Fritz Pelone of Charlotte, Audrey G. and Jack Estes, Shirley G. and Harold Boswell, Joyce G. and Quincy A. Carter Jr., all of Burlington; mother-in-law Lucille S. "Maw Maw" Ray of Burlington; sister-in-law Kathy Snyder of Gibsonville; many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Thomas Leo "Paw Paw" Ray. [50870]
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Friedens Lutheran Church by the Rev. Kristina Johnson and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
She was a native of Altavista, Va., and the daughter of the late Frank Edward and Minnie Nichols Guthrie. She was the wife of Bobby G. Ray, who survives, for over 44 years.
Clara was employed for over 27 years with AT & T (Guilford Center) and after retirement, worked on a part time basis with Lab Corp. Clara was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, where she performed as "Buttons" the clown. She was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, where she served as a member of The Church Council. She also served on the Senior Activity Committee and was an Advisor to the Youth. In the past years she worked with Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday School.
Clara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. During the past several years as she battled cancer, her smile gave testimony to her faith and trust in God. She had many talents including flower arranging, which she shared during the holiday seasons with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Tyra Ray of Gibsonville and Brandon and Toni Ray of Summerfield; grandchildren, Jacob Ray, Dylan Crusan and Samantha Ray; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rachel G. and Fritz Pelone of Charlotte, Audrey G. and Jack Estes, Shirley G. and Harold Boswell, Joyce G. and Quincy A. Carter Jr., all of Burlington; mother-in-law Lucille S. "Maw Maw" Ray of Burlington; sister-in-law Kathy Snyder of Gibsonville; many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Thomas Leo "Paw Paw" Ray. [50870]