Obituaries

Floyd F. Ray, Sr., 89, of Pasadena Knoll, Martinsville, Virginia, and formally of Lyndale Ave, Bluefield, West Virginia entered eternal rest on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Salem VA Medical Center, Salem, Virginia. He was born on July 23, 1933, in Gilliam, WVA to the late Earnest W. Ray and Bertha Rumley Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joan G. Ray; three sisters, Evelyn Ray Shipman, Doressa Christa Fox, and Marilyn Mays; and one brother, Bobby Ray, Sr.

Floyd was a graduate of Park Central High School. He then enlisted in the United States Military where he served his country during The Korean War. He was a member of the VFW, American Disables Veterans, and the American Legion, and the Commanders Club. After returning from the military, he went to work for Lugo Funeral Home in Bluefield, West Virginia, and worked as a service manager for Andy Clark Ford until his retirement. Floyd was a faithful member of Scott Street Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Chairman on the Deacon Board, the Male Choir, Senior Choir, past member of the Trustee Board, Helping Hand Circle, Pastor’s Aide, Missionary Society, Usher Board, and the Nominating Committee.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are three sons, Anthony “Shilaka” Long, and Elder Earnest D. Long both of Martinsville, VA, and Floyd F. (Tomeka) Ray, Jr., of Bluefield, WV; three stepdaughters, Venita Gazaway of Bluefield, WV, Georgina “Gigi” (Robert) Singer of Rock Hill, SC, and Marshelie L. (Pete) Gazaway Johnson of Columbus, OH; one stepson, Timothy Gazaway of Florida; ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m. at Scott Street Missionary Baptist Church, 600 Scott St., Bluefield, WVA, with Pastor Gary D. Moore, Sr, officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Littlesburg Rd., Bluefield, WVA. A public viewing will be held Sunday, November 27th, 2022, at Hairston Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In accordance with the CDC a face covering, and social distancing will be required. Other times, the family will be receiving friends at the home of his son Anthony Long, 65 Pasadena Knoll, Martinsville.

To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.