Ray Pearsall

He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) and he did it all with dignity, courage and grace. Ray was born in Nash County on September 17, 1935 to Johnny Lee and Martha Estelle Pearsall. He was one of five children. Ray grew up farming and was happiest being outside working as a steward of God’s creation. He loved planting trees, flowers, and vegetables. He also loved feeding his cows and driving his tractor. Ray was a strong man of deep and quiet faith. He had lots of special talks with God as he walked in the pastures and in the woods around his farm in Garner. Ray started work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“The Highway Department”) on May 23, 1966 with the Landscape Development Section that oversaw rest areas and roadside plantings. Ray was known as the guru of rest area construction and maintenance for his entire NCDOT career. He retired in 2008 with 42 years of service. Ray had many special friends through his involvement at Aversboro Road Baptist Church and while serving as an usher at NC State Athletic events. He was a fixture at every NC State game and will be dearly missed as the “sweet man” in section 27. Ray’s greatest treasure was his family. He married Ray Nell on March 28, 1964 and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Ray’s pride and joy were his two children, Rayford and Renee. Rayford passed away in 1973 at the age of five. Ray enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his daughter who he affectionately called “babydolls”. Ray and Renee were inseparable. Ray gained a son when Renee married Johnny Griffin in 1996. Ray and Johnny were the best of friends and shared a special bond of love. Ray had two granddaughters that he cherished, Virginia Claire and Eliza Raye. His death will leave an empty space in the hearts and minds of the many friends and family members who he loved dearly. He had a special place in his heart for every member of Ray Nell’s family. He was happiest in the middle of a bunch of Easons who were all talking at the same time and he was the only person listening! Everything in life was important to Ray, everyone he met, everything he found and every task he started. He was “everyone’s neighbor” and spread kindness, helpfulness, and knowledge with all he came in contact with in his very purposeful life. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Wake Med Neuro ICU, New Hanover Regional Medical – Rehab Hospital, and his at-home caregivers who loved and cared for Ray and did all they could to give him the best quality of life and care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the “Special Blessings Class,” at 1600 Aversboro Road Baptist Church, Garner, NC 27529 or to the charity of your choice. Funeral service will be Friday March 27, at 12 Noon at Aversboro Road Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. Family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service from 11 - 12 at the church.