Rev. David J. Ray, 78, well known Baptist minister and resident of Sugar Valley Community, died Thursday, August 29th, 2019.

Rev. Ray was born in Rome, Georgia on October 2, 1940, son of the late Rev. Walter Jake Ray and Vesta Woody Ray also preceding him was a brother, Jerald Denson Ray. As an ordained Baptist minister, he pastored Sugar Valley First Baptist Church, Wood Station Baptist Church, Temple Baptist Church, Central Avenue Baptist Church, New Town Baptist Church, and Fellowship Baptist Church. He loved Southern Gospel Music and was an accomplished musician. He and wife Betty, enjoyed many years serving the Lord together. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling and camping. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church.

Survivors include His loving wife of 59 years, Betty Money Ray; son & daughter-in-law, Greg and Kathy Ray; grandchildren, Autumn and Jared Wilson, Alex and Henry Harstine, and Kobe, Marianna, Jayden, and Trace Ray; great grandchildren, Waylon, Ellie Kate, and Luke Harstine, and Jedidiah and Lennon Wilson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 31st, at 2:00 P.M. from Heritage Baptist Church, with Rev. Donald Cantrell and Rev. Dr. William Roberts officiating, music will be arranged by Kenny Herron, and the Heritage Baptist Church Choir, under the direction of Gina Daniel. Interment in Sugar Valley Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Mitchell Crowe officiating. Active Pallbearers Henry Harstine, Jared Wilson, Rev. Mark Yoho, Buddy Moss, Larry Brown, Eddie Watkins, and Rev. Mitch Phillips. Honorary Pallbearers are area ministers, their spouses, the Senior Adult Sunday School Class of Heritage Baptist Church, Terry and Dianne Hicks, and Robert Dobson. The Family will receive friends at Heritage Baptist Church, 345 Curtis Pkwy, Calhoun, on Friday, August 30th, from 4 until 8 P.M.

Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun, Georgia is honored to be serving the family of Rev. David J. Ray, of Sugar Valley, GA.