James Ray Barbee

The family of James Ray Barbee is saddened to announce his sudden passing on March 28, 2025, at Meridian Park Hospital, at the age of 77. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sondra; children: Julia [Matt] Suplee, and Jason [Suraya] Barbee; and his grandchildren, who he deeply loved: Jack and Atlas Barbee, Iggy and Zula Ray Suplee; sister Kay [Larry] Baucom; brother-in-law, Mike Welch, sister-in-law Paula [Dan] Teel; as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Coil Wilson and Violet Coley Barbee, his parents-in-law: Walter Pharr and Mary Warwick Welch, and his brothers-in-law, Marshall Welch and Steve Gray. Ray, as he was known, was born in June of 1947, and grew up on a small family farm in Locust, North Carolina. After graduating a proud Tarheel from UNC Chapel Hill, he married the love of his life, Sondra. While in school earning his MBA, he completed his service in the Army Reserves. Setting his sights high, he moved his family to Portland, Oregon, and started an illustrious career in the forest products industry. Ray was an executive in the field of Sales and Marketing working at Boise Cascade, Louisiana Pacific, Roseburg Forest Products, and most recently as the President of Western Wood Products Association. When not working, he could be found with his nose in a book or local newspaper-- as he was an avid reader. He had a signature personal style, often generously gifting pairs of Sperry Top Siders to friends and family spreading his love of the classic footwear. Ray enjoyed an active lifestyle going on a daily run, walking his beloved dogs, hiking local waterfalls, and spending summers in Sunriver, and at Cannon Beach with family. He was a long-time active member of both Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, and the Portland Carolina Club. His legacy is one of lovingly providing for his family, integrity in business, and devotion to his wife of 50 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 11am at Locust Presbyterian Church in Locust, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Locust Presbyterian Church, locustpresbyterian.org (c/o Ray Barbee Memorial).

James Ray Barbee

June 2, 1947 - March 28, 2025