James “Jimmy” W. Ray, Jr

James “Jimmy” W. Ray Jr, 62, passed away April 29, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, GA. Funeral services will be held, Friday, May 2, 2014 beginning at 2:00 P.M. EST at Lakewood Baptist Church, 4011 Lakewood Dr. Phenix City, AL 36867. Reverend M.R. Hamilton will be officiating services. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 P.M. EST at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment will conclude at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, GA, according to Vance-Brooks Funeral Home.

Mr. Ray was born January 18, 1952, in Columbus, GA to the late James “Bill” W. Sr. and Carlene Ramey Ray. He was a 1970 graduate of Hardaway High School, where he excelled in both football and baseball. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1974 from Columbus College.

Jimmy W. was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL. After 30 plus years in the roofing industry, Mr. Ray retired in 2009. Mr. Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved chocolate lab Guinness. He will be remembered for his kind heart and sharp wit.

Mr. Ray is survived by his wife, Carole Johnson Ray; son, James “Will” W. Ray III, and wife Laura; son, Benjamin Ray; sister, Janice Hardman and husband Rip; stepsons, Cory Collins, Clint Collins and wife Jane; grandchildren, Julia Farley Collins and Chadwick Collins; and many cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers those so desiring may make a donation to PAWS Humane Society, pawscolumbus.org, or The American Heart Association at, americanheart.org