Henry Ray Williams

Birth Date: 10/27/1936
Deceased Date: 05/02/2025

It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Henry “Ray” Williams, 88, of Charlotte, NC on May 2, 2025 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Ray was born on October 27, 1936 to Oscar Henry Williams and Bettie Elizabeth Worley Williams in Princeton, NC – the eighth of ten children.

Ray excelled academically and in sports at his beloved Micro High School where he was captain of the basketball team and named Most Athletic Male in his senior class.

After Ray graduated from Micro High School in 1955, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he worked at Bethlehem Steel in the fire and safety department.

It was at this time that he met and married Wilma Dean White of Elizabethton, Tennessee. They had 2 children, Kenneth Ray Williams and Cynthia Dawn Williams Wohlfarth.

Ray joined the United States Coast Guard in 1958 and served as an Aerographer’s Mate until leaving the Guard in 1962.

Ray began his long career in insurance as a Claims Representative for Republic Vanguard Insurance Company and later joined Nationwide Insurance Company as a Senior Claims Representative serving the Southeast.

In 1969, Ray started Metrolina Contracting – a fire and water restoration company that grew to the largest of its kind in the Carolinas.

After selling Metrolina, he joined Reid, Jones and McRorie, an insurance adjusting firm, as a Large Loss Specialist, and ultimately, he became the fourth partner in Reid, Jones, McRorie and Williams (RJMW Claim Services).

Ray was a 6’4” farm boy with a kind and generous nature and a larger-than-life personality who was loved by all that knew him. He was always interested in the people he met and pursued a connection with everyone – Ray never met a stranger.

Ray was a hard worker and often would be found nights and weekends sitting in the corner of his sofa doing paperwork in preparation for the next day’s work. His diligence and dedication resulted in a successful business career.

In the early 1970s, Ray began attending Garr Memorial Church where he met Pastor Alfred Garr II. In 1972, Mr. Garr led Ray to Christ, and the two soon became friends. Ray was blessed to work beside Mr. Garr at Camp Lurecrest, a beautiful Christian camp nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina on the shores of Lake Lure. Ray served on their Board of Directors for a time and also contributed to the construction and renovation of camp facilities through his construction company.

Ray loved the Lord. Prior to his illness, he could be found at Central Church of God in Charlotte every Sunday morning and most Wednesday nights. He also loved gospel music and would be glad to sing you a tune.

Ray was devoted to and loved his family. He seldom missed a ballgame or event that involved Ken, Dawn, or his grandchildren and took a keen interest in the wellbeing of his parents and siblings.

He loved the Williams’ Homeplace – the farm where his parents lived and all ten of their children were born and raised. Ray and his siblings helped to ensure the Homeplace stayed in great shape for future generations of Williams’ to join together in love and fellowship and continue their family traditions.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Henry Williams and Bettie Elizabeth Worley Williams, and brothers and sisters, Cleo Williams, Melda Lynn, George Williams, Marie Trower, and Oscar Leon Williams.

Ray is survived by his children, Kenneth Ray (Sherry) Williams and Cynthia Dawn (Scott) Williams Wohlfarth, and grandchildren, Madison Williams, Cameron Williams, Christopher Williams, Hayden Wohlfarth, and Carson Wohlfarth.

Ray is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Egbert Williams, Joyce Woodard, Doug Williams, Curt Williams, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Parrish Funeral Home, 1351 South Pollack Street, Selma, NC. The family will receive family and friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Bizzell Grove Memorial Gardens, 4700 Bizzell Grove Church Road, Princeton, NC immediately following the funeral service.

We welcome everyone to join the family at the Williams’ Homeplace, 3679 Rains Crossroads Road, Princeton NC afterwards for an afternoon remembering Ray’s well spent life and enjoying fellowship and food.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to Camp Lurecrest in the name of Henry “Ray” Williams. Camp Lurecrest has brought many lives to Christ and touched our family deeply. Ray would be honored to continue this mission through your support.

https://camp lurecrest-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1339251

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Parrishfh.com