Arthur Ray Talley, Jr.

FUQUAY-VARINA - Arthur Ray died peacefully in his home with his family the evening of December 3. Instead of medical treatment, he chose quality days over quantity days and maintained unwavering in his faith in God’s plan for his life. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend who inspired a goodness in all of us who remain. Arthur Ray was born in Fuquay-Springs where he lived most of his life. He was a lifetime deacon and active participant in many areas of the Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church including Sunday School in the Page class, Bible study, prayer meeting, service projects, and Wednesday night fellowship suppers. Once he retired the word around church was “if you need help with something, ask Arthur Ray”. He was known for his strong faith in God. Arthur Ray served 4 years in the US Coast Guard in Japan, Hawaii, and Louisiana and upon returning home attended Campbell College. He worked in the tobacco industry all of his adult life as a warehouse man and buyer and even as a youth in the tobacco fields. He retired from Tobacco Growers Association in 2014. He truly enjoyed riding the back-country roads surveying tobacco fields and spending time with the farmers and getting to know other tobacco buyers and sellers across the southeastern US. In 1964 he met Jane Alphin and they were married in April of 1965. For 45 years they enjoyed a marriage built on the foundation of Christ, love, and shared humor. Together they raised three daughters to be generous of spirit, hard-working and independent. He and Jane both adored and treasured their grandchildren. The family moved to the Needmore community in 1976 and Arthur Ray joined the newly formed Needmore Ruritan Club, a community service club, where he was involved until his death. Arthur Ray was known by family and friends for his storytelling and straightforwardness. He enjoyed gathering with a variety of groups of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jane Talley; his siblings Rebecca Brisson, Betty Joyce Pleasant, Dan Talley, and Gay Harriet; and his granddaughter, MaryJane Honeycutt. He is survived by his daughters Wendy Talley of Cornelius, NC; Harriett Lacey and husband Tom and their children, Celia Grace and Silas of Falmouth, MA; and Mary Katherine Honeycutt and husband Steve and their son, Seth, of Willow Spring, NC. A celebration of Arthur Ray’s life will be held at the Fuquay Varina Baptist Church, 301 N. Woodrow Street on Saturday, December 7th at 3pm. Visitation preceding service from 2pm to 3pm. Wendy, Harriett, and Mary Katherine invite family and friends to join them at Arthur Ray’s home immediately following the service for dessert, coffee, and stories. The family is grateful for Transitions Hospice Care and especially for Nurse Genevieve. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Make a Wish of Eastern North Carolina 3809 Computer Drive #201 Raleigh, NC 27609. (eastnc.wish.org)