Raymond "Ray" Edward Williams Sr.

Raymond "Ray" Edward Williams, Sr., of Locust, NC passed away at the age of 91 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, on June 30, 2026. Born on November 29, 1934, in Spartanburg, SC, Ray was a devoted husband, loving father and faithful friend. He was known for his wisdom, gentle spirit and unwavering loving guidance. He received his BA in Finance from The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Known for his hard work and dedication to his country, he served in the Air National Guard for 12 years. He also served in Paris, France during the Berlin crisis. His career consisted of being a payroll manager for Ceridian Payroll Service in Charlotte, NC, until his retirement at age 55. He had an infectious love for his Lord and Savior, his family as well as his church and community. He never met a stranger and was proud to tell his age of 91. He served as a deacon and usher at Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC and later became a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Monroe, NC. His love for people and spreading the importance of a relationship with Christ was evident in both his actions and words. In the community, he was involved in a local gym and delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife Gale. He passed away doing what he loved to do......serving others. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and making furniture for numerous friends and craft fairs. In the 1980’s, his wife Bennie alongside his son and daughter built a log cabin on Roan Mountain, NC, where to this day, continues to be enjoyed by both family and friends. He taught both his children the importance of hard work and determination. His motto to his son was “never give up!” He was a stronghold in his family by holding hands around the table and blessing each meal. An important tradition to him each Christmas was reading aloud to his family the Christmas Story from the Bible. He is survived by his wife, Gale of 19 years of Locust, NC; son, Ed Williams (Sheila) of Bakersville, NC; daughter, Marydawn Cannon of Belmont, NC; Proud “Pap” to Grandson Tristen Cannon of Charlotte, NC, and granddaughter, Taylor Cannon of Concord, NC. He also had many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Wife, Bennie Williams of over 40 years; his sister, Joan; his brother, Durant; and parents, Marion and Ellen Gantt Williams, all of SC. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 7th at 11:45am at Hopewell Baptist Church – Legacy Campus, 420 Hopewell Church Rd., Monroe, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:30-11:30am at the church. The graveside service will be at Carolina Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 406 Renee Ford Road, Locust, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray’s memory to Hopewell Baptist Church 420 Hopewell Church Road, Monroe, NC or Samaritans Purse Charlotte, NC Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust, NC is serving the Williams family.

Raymond "Ray" Edward Williams Sr.

November 29, 1934 - June 30, 2026