James Wouster Ray

James Wouster Ray ( also known as “ Jay” and “JW” ) died peacefully in his home on June 10, 2024. He was born on October 10, 1929, in rural Columbus County, NC, where he grew up farming, and his schooling began in a 2-room building. He attended Williams’ Township School for the upper grades and graduated from high school in 1947. He attended High Point College ( now High Point University ) for two years before volunteering for the Coast Guard and completing 3 years of service. He then returned to High Point College to complete his BS in business administration.

For 27 years, Jay worked as a collections officer with the IRS in Raleigh. He did not particularly enjoy collecting delinquent taxes and, in fact, was shot at by an unwilling taxpayer once! He retired in 1985 and afterwards delivered papers for a few years, continuing to use his collection skills. His hobbies were cultivating a yard full of flowers, growing vegetables in an impressive garden, avidly reading and doing word and jigsaw puzzles, taking trips to the beach house in Shallotte, and spending time with his beloved wife, Betty.

Jay was an active Holland's Church member for over 60 years. One of his greatest joys in life was singing in the choir, and he also loved his Sunday school class. Jay served on several committees, and he and Betty worked at the church barbecue fundraiser for many years. He was a quiet and humble servant.

One of the most admirable things about Jay was the way he cared for Betty as her health declined. He exemplified Ephesians 5:25, which says, “ Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. “

Over the last two years, while living with congestive heart failure and end-stage renal disease, Jay was cared for by the wonderful team at Kimberly Care. They made it possible for him to stay in the comfort of his home of 40 years, and we are so grateful to them. He was also blessed to have the support of his incredible neighbors.

Jay is predeceased by his parents, Seymour and Ona Victoria Ray, his first wife, Kathryn, his daughter Wendy, and his wife of 33 years, Betty. He is survived by his three children ( Rebecca Kurtz and husband Mike, Cherry Helton, and David Ray ), four stepchildren ( Barry Wilburn and wife Sylvia, Nancy Wilburn, Rick Wilburn and girlfriend Lisa, Donna Gamble and fiancé Mark ), a sister Clara Vaughn White, two nephews, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Dorothy Petty, a special friend, survives Jay also.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 12:30 pm at Holland's Church, 9433 Ten-Ten Road, Raleigh, NC 27603, with visitation at 11:30 am. The burial will be following the service at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Donations can be made to Transitions Life Care of Raleigh, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

The family is being served by Bryan Lee Funeral Homes, Garner, NC.