Darrell Richard Ray

Darrell Richard Ray, age 65 of Marion, NC, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC.

Darrell was born on January 14, 1957, in Marion, NC to the late John Ray and Melba Hall Ray.  He was a Christian man and he served his country proudly in the United States Army.  He was retired and had been a self-employed arborist. His family describes him as a “tree hunter” as he was always looking for the trees that needed cutting down. Darrell was a true woodsman, who enjoyed chopping trees and delivering wood to his family and friends.

Darrell  was also very funny and loved to laugh. He had a great sense of humor. He loved watching football, and the Green Bay Packers were his favorite team. He loved playing with his grandchildren and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his longtime partner, Lisa Morris; a daughter, Carmen Ray; a brother, Roger Ray; and two sisters, Denise Davis and Romelta Melvin.

Those left to cherish his memory are his four daughters, Olivia (Larry) Burleson of Marion, Jessica Ray of Asheville, NC, Jamie Honeycutt of Morristown, TN, and Ashely Owens of Kingsport, TN; two sisters, Danette (Joe) Childrey of Fairview, NC, and Brenda Ray of Marion, NC; three brothers, Steve Ray and Eugene Ray, both of Fairview, NC and Doug (Phyllis) Ray of Swannanoa, NC; three granddaughters, Taylor Honeycutt of Kingsport, TN, Hayden Wood of Black Mountain, NC, and Bailee Burleson of Marion, NC; four grandsons, Dylan (Cassandra) Honeycutt of Morganton, NC, Gavin and Greyson Burleson, both of Marion, NC, and Marcus Owens of Kingsport, TN; two great-granddaughters, Emma Honeycutt and Alaina Roberts, both of Morganton, NC; and two great-grandsons, Curtis Honeycutt and Christian Honeycutt, both of Morganton, NC.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Hwy 70, Black Mountain, NC 28711, with Pastor Jonathan Tipper officiating and full military honors will be given by the North Carolina National Guard Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be left at: www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Ray family with arrangements.

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