Mr. Ray York, age 87 of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, September 22, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 15, 1931 in Carrollton, Georgia, to the late Robert York and the late Edna Skinner York. He was a graduate of Whitesburg High School in 1949, where he played on the Varsity Basketball team and made wonderful life-long friends.

In his early working career, he was employed with Lockheed in Marietta, Georgia.  He later served our community as a Licensed Insurance Agent with National Life and Accident Insurance Co., and as a Real Estate Broker.  He retired as an agent with MetroWest several years ago, but continued to refer clients and friends who called him because they trusted him.

Ray was a longtime, faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he was famous for cooking delicious breakfasts and burgers.  He also taught the 9 year-old boys Sunday School Class. Ironically, many of the boys have become attorneys and we have wondered if it had anything to do with his love of debate. He and his wife also served in the Nursery at Tabernacle, and, in recent years, he coordinated social outings that were enjoyed by many.   In addition to his service at the church, he was a member of the Pathfinders Civitan Club and loved volunteering to help improve the lives of others.

Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. He never met a stranger, his smile was ever-present and he considered everyone a friend.  Due to health problems the last few years he crossed paths with many wonderful people in our health care community.  Each one was special to him and he appreciated their care and concern, rewarding them with discount cards to his favorite pancake restaurant.  Our family would like to thank everyone who has cared for him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda York; and brothers-in-law: William Grant “Bill” Johnson and James Jack “Jackie” Davis. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Carolyn “Jane” Adams York, daughters and sons-in- law: Merrell & Eric Stagliano of Carrollton and Laura & Rob Cleveland of Villa Rica, Georgia; sisters: Lynnell York Johnson and Deane York Davis, both of Carrollton; brother, Damon York and friend Kimberly Morgan, of Rome; grandchildren: Clark Cleveland, Jace Cleveland, Andrew Stagliano and Nathan Stagliano; and a number of much loved nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, September 28, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church with a viewing in the church at 12:30 PM. Dr. Stephen Allen will officiate and eulogies will be delivered by Eric Stagliano and Rob Cleveland. Musical selections will be rendered by Phyllis Head and accompanist Brenda Sue Holcombe.  Prior to the service, family prayer will be offered by Rev. Gary Brown. Pallbearers will be Shae Farmer, Robert Fazio, Ryan Fleming, Brent McCaghren, Grant McCaghren, Johnny Stogner, Richard Stogner and Robie York.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Ted Robinson Sunday School Class, members of the Faithful Friendship Sunday School Class, and Associates of MetroWest Realty. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the Martin & Hightower funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements. In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Open Hands Ministry.