William Ben Ray "Bill"

William Ben Ray "Bill", 82, of Charlotte died at the Asbury Care Center at the Methodist Home on February 5, 2015. Bill was born in Barnardsville, NC on December 20, 1932, to Vannie and Clifford Ray. He retired from Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System after 32 years of service. He and his wife, Edlin, met as students at Western Carolina University. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where he served God in many ways.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Edlin Ray; and their children Nicole Ward and Nerissa Helms (husband, Chad Helms); grandchildren, Blake Ward and Dillon & Elizabeth Helms; brothers, Loren Ray of Fort Myers, FL and his twin brother, Bob Ray (wife, Susie Ray) of Cullowhee, NC and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill`s life will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2015, with Rev. Jim Humphries officiating at Christ UMC. Visitation will be at the church at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the HELP Fund at Christ UMC, 8020 Bellhaven Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Asbury Care Center and to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region.