Ray E. Warner, 103, formally of 249 Vintage Road and Arbor Ridge, Eden, NC passed quietly into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Fairway Oaks Center in Tampa, FL. Funeral will be held at the First Church of the Brethren on Tuesday June 12, at 11:00 am, with burial at Overlook Cemetery.
Mr. Warner was born near New Windsor (Carroll County), Maryland on March 25, 1909, the fifth child of Charles and Mary Ellen Cantwell Warner. He moved to Spray, NC (now Eden) in March 1934 to work for Marshall Field (later Fieldcrest Mills) where he retired in March 1974 after 40 years. He was an employee of the Rayon Mill, was a supervisor at the Automatic Blanket Mill and was manager of the supply room at Karastan Rug Mill.
Mr. Warner married Edna Rickman in October 1935 and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her death in 2003. He was a devout Christian and was an inspiration to his family, friends, and all who knew him. He joined the First Church of the Brethren at age 11 and after moving to NC, he served the Eden church for 75 years in various ways. He was an adult Sunday-School teacher, served as choir director, member of the choir, served as treasurer during the 40‚àö¬¢‚Äö?ᬮ‚Äö?묢s and 50‚àö¬¢‚Äö?ᬮ‚Äö?묢s, and was a Deacon for over 60 years.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was predeceased by 4 brothers; Edward, Russell, Paul, and Sterling; and sisters, Sadie and Ruth; and son-in-law, Charles Martin.
Left to treasure his memory are: son, Richard (Dick) Warner and wife Dell of Chuluota, FL; son, Ralph Warner and wife Terry of Wesley Chapel, FL (Tampa Bay Area); daughter, Rachel Warner Martin of Eden, NC. Granddaughters: Beverly W. Delemos (Doug) and Sheryl W. DeWitt (Ed); Lisa W. Farr (Rob); Angela W. Martin; Tara Valdez; and Carla Anderson (Jason). Grandsons: Gregory Warner; Charles Warner (Kathy); Wesley Martin (Melissa); Great-grandsons: Ronnie and Ryan Rose, Patrick and Kyle (Suzanne) DeWitt, Jacob Warner, Hunter Martin, Andrew Alvarez, Chase Clark; Great-Granddaughters: Holly (Ryan) Reese, Abby and Libby Delemos, Katie DeWitt, Paige Martin, Brianna Valdez, Naomi Ruth Anderson, Kacie Clark; Great-great grandchildren: Taylor Knoch, Cayden and Cammi Rose, and Warner DeWitt. Sisters-in -law: Vivian Coe Warner of Thurmont, MD. and Helen Rickman Shough of Patrick Springs, VA; Brothers-in-law: Jesse Hale of Eden, Maurice Rickman of Cupertino, CA and Gene Rickman (Chere) of Plant City, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Arbor Ridge and Fairway Oaks for their loving care.
Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 7 - 9 PM at Fair Funeral Home and at other times at the home of his daughter, 1062 Friendly Road, Eden.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Church of the Brethren sound and video system fund 730 Church St., Eden, NC 27288.
Rachel, I am so sorry, wish I could be there with you. Ray will be missed by all. He was such a strong kind individual. Love you. Hilda Shockley Jones.
Hilda Jones
Richard, Ralph, Rachel & Family, Today God & his angels are celebrating the homecoming of a great christian man, your Dad. In the times I've spent at your home, during our younger years, your Mother & Father always treated me with love & kindness. They were truly special people & well loved by all who knew them. Each of you will be in my thoughts & humble prayers during this sad time. May God's Blessings be with you, Betty
Betty Adkins-Joyce
Rachel, Your dad lived a full life being a wonderful example of what a Christian looks like. You have wonderful memories to treasure. You and your family are in my prayers.
Betty Tate
Sorry for your loss Rachel. May God comfort you at this time
Peggy J. Kendrick
Rachel and Family - I can remember my mother speaking fondly of your father when she worked at the Automatic Blanket Mill. Remembering you and your family in my prayers
Sarah Talley Pierce
THE BROKEN CHAIN We Little Knew That Day God Was Going To Call Your Name In Life We Loved You Dearly In Death We Do The Same. It Broke Our Hearts To Lose You,You Did Not Go Alone For Part Of Us Went With You The Day God Called You Home. You Left Us Beautiful Memories Your Love Is Our Guide And Although We Cannot See You,You Are Always At Our Side. Our Family Chain Is Broken And Nonthing Seems The Same But As God Calls Us One By One The Chain Will Link Again.
The Martin Family
Richard, Ralph, Rachel & Family, although I did not know your parents, I do share the great loss of your Dad with you. I have never heard of snything other than wonderful comments concerning your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Jack
Jack Moore..Class of '59
Rachel,Richard,Ralph & Family, We've all been blessed to have Ray Warner in our lives over the years. His life has touched so many people and what a wonderful life he lived. God's plan for Ray has been fulfilled and the joys we all have in knowing him and being part of his life through all of you is that much more fulfilling. We all have such great memories. I always loved seeing the great gardens that he grew. And talk about sharing and giving of one's self, that was the Ray Warner that everyone came to know. Thanks for letting us all be part of this wonderful life. Heaven rejoices as they welcome him home. Love, Dennis,Melony,Adam,Bryan & Jenna
Dennis Martin
Rachel, we are so sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers will be the family. GOD BLESS we love ya, Tim & Judy Carter
Tim Carter
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. His spirit will live forever in the hearts of all of us who loved him so dearly. It was my honor and pleasure to have been a part of his family.
Melba Squires Sgarlato
I loved and respected your dad from the first time I met him at the Karastan Supply Room. He was such a good example of a gentleman & a Christian. I tried to visit him weekly at Arbor Ridge before he moved to Florida and he was always the same sweet person. Our loss is Heaven's gain. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lou Trollinger
Rachel, we are so sorry for your loss. We will be remembering you and your family.
Ernie & Lavonne Hunter
sorry I was unable to attend services for your dad but my deepest sympathy to each of you.
Joan Stegall Patterson
Rachel, What a blessing to have your father for so many years,you are in my prayers, i am so sorry for your loss. Hang in there.
toni biggs bullins
Rachael, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today as you remember and celebrate the life of your father. Heaven is a happier place today because Ray is there with his family and friends. I sure hope my dad was one of the first to greet him. Ray was an inspiration to all those who were lucky enough to know him. A kind, loving, giving man who always found goodness in everything and everyone. I remember those times when I would come back home after moving to Michigan and seeing him and Edna in church. He would always give me a big hug and tell me how much he missed me. He always made me feel like I was truly home. Your dad was an angel on earth. I was blessed to know him.
Jim Bryant
To the Warner Family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Ray displayed the vitures of a Christian each day in his journey. May LIGHT perpetual Shine upon him. Charles H.Wray Jr.-Susan Wray Fretwell-Lucy and Carl Bradford
Charles Wray Jr.
In your sadness, may there be hope... In your thoughts, may there be peace... In your heart, may there be healing. My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one.(Psalms 55:22)
M. Johnson
Rachel and family, I am so very sorry to read of your loss but Heaven has gained another beautiful soul. It is said that life itself is a gift from God but what you do with your life is your gift back TO God. Both of your parents did so much with their lives. I have many wonderful memories of them. They made such a difference in the lives of many others. Your dad served in so many capacities at church but I remember him best as my Sunday School teacher and by singing in the choir. He and your mom were both so special to me. May God's peace surround and sustain you in the days ahead.
Martha Farmer Bragg
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