Robert "Rooster" Ray

Robert “Rooster” Ray of Ellenboro, age 64, passed away, Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Mission Health in Asheville.

Robert was born Saturday, January 10, 1959 in Gaston County, NC to the late Clarence Garfield Ray, Sr. and Barbara Morrison Ray. Robert served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He worked as a deputy sheriff for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department for several years and was a painter and commercial truck driver for many years. Robert was a family man and enjoyed each minute spent with his loved ones. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and westerns. He was an avid fisherman and of the Baptist faith.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Garland “Spider” Ray, Clarence “Wormy” Ray, Jr., Ned “Wineo” Ray and a sister, Elaine Tedder.

      Those left to cherish fond memories include his two sons, Rob Ray (Brooklyn) of Ellenboro and Thomas Ray of Shelby, NC; brothers, David McDonald of Salisbury, NC, Dale Ray of Hendersonville, Ricky McDonald of Forest City and a sister, Katie Cooper of Kings Mountain; grandchildren, Brooklyn Marie Ray, Taylor James Ray and Easton Thomas Ray; nieces, Anita Ray and Kasie Bremer; nephews, Eric Ray, Timmy Tedder, Andy Tedder and David Tedder.

     A funeral gathering will be held from 12:00 until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 21^st at Harrelson Funeral Home.  An interment ceremony for the immediate family will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.