Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for George Lewis Ray, 87, of Columbia, who passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at his residence. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Rev. Shane Hoes and Rev. Millard Moak will officiate the services. Reuben McDowell will provide special music.

The Ray family will receive friends on Wednesday morning, beginning at 9:00 am until the hour of service of 11:00 am at Hathorn Funeral Home.

George was a man of steadfast dedication and diverse passions. A skilled school bus mechanic, he proudly served his country in the Army National Guard before embarking on a career offshore with Chevron. George's adventurous spirit led him to love traveling and camping, always accompanied by the uplifting sounds of bluegrass and gospel music. He found great joy and peace in gardening, cultivating beauty with his own hands. A truly faithful servant, he was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church for a remarkable 63 years, where he humbly served as an usher.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Stanford Ray; Mother, Clara Robbins Ray; four Brothers, Lanie Ray, Hubert Ray, Harris Ray, Jimmy Ray; Sister, Jewel Dean Ray.

He is survived by his Wife of 63 years, Margaret Ann Thomas Ray, of Columbia; two Daughters, Anita Lafferty (Danny), of Ocean Springs, Beverly Miller, of Mineral, Virginia; four Grandchildren, Kreslie Lafferty, Noah Lafferty, Tyler Miller, Alec Miller; one Brother, William Ray (Diane); two Sisters, Nan Messer, Dimples Boettcher; seven Great Grandchildren; one Great-Great Grandchild; three Step Grandchildren; and a host of Nephews, Nieces, and Friends.

Mr. Ray will be carried to his final resting place by those honored to serve as pallbearers; they include Noah Lafferty, Nicholas Roberts, Sammy Thomas, Jim Ray, Ross Hartford, Leonard Thomas, Phil Lafferty, and Harry Lafferty.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com