Lovitt C. Ray

Lovitt Clarence Ray, 94, of Dunn, passed from this life into eternity on October 16, 2020, surrounded by his family.  He was born on March 20, 1926 as the ninth of twelve children born to Daniel Alexander and Hattie Belle Lucas Ray in the Anderson Creek Township of Harnett County. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the Army in March of 1944. After discharge from the Army, he studied mechanics at the Ball Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. He then returned to Erwin and gained employment at Erwin Mills as a loom mechanic. It was here, he met his wife of 71 years, Etta Moore Ray. He worked at Erwin Mills from 1948 until his retirement in 1984. He lived in Erwin until he moved to Dunn to be closer to his daughters in 2007.

He was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He was a member of the Erwin Church of God, where he held numerous offices, including Sunday school superintendent, church clerk, Sunday school teacher, member of the Pastor’s Council, and church trustee. He was passionate in his love for his family, fishing, and hunting.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife as well as his brothers and sisters; Daniel, Henry Floyd (Armelia), James Astor (Blonnie), Mandy Maddie (Robert) Hester, Berta (Delbert) Beasley, Naomi (Artis) Thomas, Willie Albert, Jim (Edna) Ray, Eunice (Robert) Hockaday, and Betty (Bruce) McLamb.

Lovitt is survived by his children: Kathryn (Thomas) Stewart of Dunn, Larry (Debbie) Ray of Erwin, and Janet (Brent) Johnson of Dunn; grandchildren: Kelli Lee of Dunn, Emily Powell of West Monroe, Louisiana, Griffin Ray Lee (Lindsay) of Wheaton, Illinois, Gregory (Elizabeth) Ray of Erwin, Katie (Eli) Spruill of Winston Salem, Niki (Billy) Barnhouse of Willow Springs, Casey (Candace) Johnson of Dunn; great grandchildren: Amara Powell, Mia Powell, Jules Powell, Riley Patterson, Raegan Lee, Griffy Lee, Naomi Ray, Emma Ray, Josiah Ray, Ava Spruill, Zoe Spruill, EttaLane Barnhouse, and Will Barnhouse; great-great-grandchild Cruz Powell;  sister-in-law, Ann Moore; and 26 nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held at the Erwin Church of God on Monday, October 19th at 11:00 a.m.  The family will receive friends from 10 to 11am. Please observe the three W’s Wait, Wear a Mask, and Wash Hands.

Condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.com

A Service of West & Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin, North Carolina

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