Veto Eldon Ray

Veto Eldon Ray, 86, Mooresville, died peacefully February 6, 2012. Mr. Ray was born July 14, 1925, in Morgan County, the seventh child of Everett Albert and Revicca Artrella (Parrish) Ray.

Veto was the owner and operator of Ray & Sons Hardwood Lumber. He was a faithful and devoted member of Eternal Life Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. Above all, Veto was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jaunita (Sturgeon) Ray; siblings, Charles “Corney” Ray, Otto “Doc” Ray, Bartow Ray, Leonard Ray, Nellie Williams, Audry Dawson, Bonnie Dawson-Steele, and Betty Forrester.

Survivors include his children, Terry Lee (Sharon), Bobbie Lee (Rhonda), Gary Eldon Ray (Beverly), Billy Gene Ray (Donna), James “David” Ray (Patty), Lillie Revicca “Joan” Sortore (Keith), and Sandra Lynn Chandler (Thomas); sister, Becky Burkhart; 21 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren.

Rev. Don Endsley will officiate the 10 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 10, 2012, 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.