Charles Barrette Ray

Charles Barrette Ray was born October 17, 1948 to Roy Wilson Ray and Vera Inez Gatlin Ray in Webster County, MS. He left his earthly home surrounded by his family on Friday, October 29, 2021 to receive his eternal reward after battling Parkinsons and Lewy Body Disease for the past several years. Charles was a homebody. In fact, he had never even left Webster County until he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War in 1969 and returned in 1970 where he served with pride and would often say, "I'm proud to be an American". He was part of the 9th Mechanical Infantry Division where he was a tank operator. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion in Eupora and active participant in all activities and events for Veterans. Charles was a devoted family man and a very hard worker. He was employed by Mersman and Mohasco Furniture Company (formerly known as Futorian) for many years until he went to work for the City of Eupora as the Public Streets Director where he retired. He believed if you were going to do something, you should do it right and was very well known for his attention to detail. Throughout his years he had many hobbies such as gardening, working with his team of Welsh ponies, hunting, fishing and woodworking. Charles could build anything he set his mind to and one of his greatest accomplishments was building his wife Pat a cabin on the land she grew up on in the community of Whitehill. He enjoyed showing it off to friends and family and loved living there until his health started to decline. He was a relatively quiet man who took pleasure in aggravating those he loved most. Charles was a member of Crossway Church of God in Eupora, MS. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Roy W. and Vera Ray; one sister, Sue Helen Ray O'Neal; one brother in law, Bobby Lee Files; and neice, Tammy Cooper Curry. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Pat Freshour Ray and his children, Robin (Gregg) Hunter; Christopher Barrette (Karen) Ray and Brandon Cole all of Eupora, MS. Four grandchildren, CharLeigh Hunter of Hattiesburg, MS; Breanna and Alana Hunter both of Starkville, MS and Brendan Cole of Middleburg, FL. Two sisters; JoAnn Files and Barbara (Kenneth) Cooper and a brother in law; Charles H. O'Neal all of Eupora, MS. Three sister in laws; Donna (Sammy) Slay; Sue Freshour Mashburne both of Eupora, MS; Kathy Freshour Martinson of Atlanta, GA and a host of neices and nephews. A beloved dog, Tipper and two of the best caregivers anyone could ask for; Trinecia "Tee" Neely and Tosha Tartt both of Starkville, MS. Visitation for the public was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 5:00PM-8:00PM and a Private Family Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 11:00AM all at Crossway Church of God in Eupora, MS. Rev. Christopher Ray and Rev. Brandon Cole officiated. Burial with full Military Honors followed at Shady Grove Methodist Cemetery in Webster County, MS. Pallbearers were Kenneth, Scott and Colten Cooper, Will Gary, Mike Lewis and Barry Slay. Honorary Pallbearers were Wayne Austin, Wayne Baker, Charlie Bates, Charles Clark, Larry Gatlin, Pete Fortner, Jr., Joel Johnson and Carroll McCarty. Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.