Retired Coast Guard Veteran James Emanuel Ray of Winston-Salem, NC was born October 15, 1953 to Walter Ray Jr. and Clementine Ray. He peacefully departed this life on Sunday, September 23, 2018, into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

James served in the United States Coast Guard for 22 years.

After that, he spent a good majority of his life working as an electrician, mechanic, and construction worker. James was truly a jack of all trades, and anyone that knew him, knew he could fix just about anything. In his spare time, James enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors.

James was preceded in death by his father, Walter Ray, Jr.; and his mother, Clementine Livingston-Ray. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, and his legacy six children Tonya D. McDaniel, Michelle Ray-Spears, Angelia J. Russell (Carl Russell, III), Sherrell D. Pate (Dustin Pate), William A. Ray (Aleyna Ray), and Johnathan E. Ray; two sisters, Shirley A. Ray and Angelia T. Baxter; one brother, Julius W. Ray (Erika Ray); fourteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a wealth of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00pm Monday, October 1, 2018 at Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Postulant, Seminarian Jermaine Baxter officiating. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Monday at the Chapel. Interment will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, October 2, 2018 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.